Chapter 9
The limo was full of laughter.
"Who cursed that woman's voice?" asked Jarrod. "A banshee doesn't screech that loud! I didn't think a human's vocal cords could reach that level."
"You do know the whole neighborhood heard" Mikah said as he was laughing.
"I've wondered sometimes if I locked Petunia and Voldemort up together if he would commit suicide just to get away from the screeching," said Harry. "She could do the world a favor."
"I'm glad that's over," said Remus. "Just think Harry, you never have to go back there again!"
"Thank God" said Harry. "You guys only had 15 minutes of them, I've had 15 years!" Harry laughed, "Now for the important question. What's for dinner?"
Everyone laughed as his stomach rumbled loudly.
"I know of a good restaurant," said Alfred. "Terry and I go there often. They have the best steak I've ever eaten."
"Yummy steak" said Harry. "Yes, that sounds heavenly!" His stomach rumbled loudly again and he laughed.
Alfred looked at Harry for a moment. "I don't mean to be rude but would you happen to have clothing that fits better" he asked. "I don't keep up with the fashion trends of your age but I must say that looking like a beggar is not the way anyone should look."
Harry blushed in embarrassment. "This is the best I have except for my school uniform," he said. "When I put it on this morning, it didn't fit." Harry wished he could just disappear. Everyone was looking at him now.
"Growth spurt" said Alfred. "You'll have a couple more probably. Don't worry Harry; you're just coming into your Rothwood inheritance. It should all be over by your birthday. I think a slight detour is in order. Excuse me while I make a call."
Remus smiled at Harry. "Don't worry cub. We'll shop another day and get you a whole new wardrobe. We'll have you looking like a new man."
"But Moony," said Harry, "what about you? We must have you looking just as good. As a matter of fact, Alfred get something for Moony too."
Remus growled at Harry playfully. "I'm not the one wearing clothes big enough to fit an elephant."
Harry stuck out his tongue. "If I have to get new clothes then so do you!" Harry pouted with big sad puppy dog eyes.
"Fine" said Moony laughing. "Just keep those eyes to yourself!"
As they were leaving the clothing store, Moony and Harry were admiring their new clothing.
"You look great cub," said Remus. "Very sophisticated. We really must return here for out shopping date"
"You're right Moony" said Harry. You really look great, like a million dollars. Or should I say 10?" Harry teased Remus.
"I say you both look like new men," said Alfred. I can give you the name of a couple more shops to help with your wardrobe."
"Thanks Alfred" said Remus. "I would be grateful. My fashion sense drops just below 'no idea'. I've never had much money. Just enough to get by on. I never would have thought to shop here." Remus looked sheepish. "I can't thank you enough."
"Think nothing of it Remus," said Alfred. "That's what friends are for." Remus looked surprised. "I do hope I can call you a friend," said Alfred.
"I would be honored," said Remus. "There is something I think you should know. Most men look down on me and treat me like an animal" he said sadly.
Alfred looked surprised. "Why would any sane man treat you like that? You're an intelligent man and from what I've seen you treat others with respect. Just look at the way you treat Harry. I would count it an honor to be friends with you."
Remus smiled a sad little smile. "I thank you for those kind words. They treat me like that not for who I am but for what I am. You see I'm a werewolf."
"I know," said Alfred laughing. "I knew the moment I saw you at the bank."
Harry and Remus looked at him incredulously. "How" they both asked.
"It's my business to know how to read people. The tired look you have about you. The grey hair and your alertness. Also, the name Moony gives it away," said Alfred. "You look just as my driver, Phillip, did 2 years ago. He didn't handle it as well as you seem to." Alfred laughed at their shocked faces.
"Philip is a werewolf," asked Harry.
"Technically yes," said Alfred. "But not exactly anymore. Haven't you noticed that I haven't given him any directions? He can hear us with his enhanced hearing and takes us wherever we say."
Remus was shocked speechless.
"How exactly is he not a werewolf anymore" asked Harry. At this point they had reached the restaurant.
"Let's go inside and order and I shall explain it to you during dinner." said Alfred. They entered the restaurant and were greeted warmly and seated immediately.
After they ordered and had their drinks, Alfred spoke. "Harry, we will discuss this further tomorrow but you have thousands of men and women in your employ" he said. "There are curse breakers, archeologists, treasure seekers, just to name a couple. About 5 years ago I authorized the funds for a team of treasure seekers. I really wasn't expecting them to find all they did but they found several crates of books among the treasure and shipped them to me. To my surprise most were priceless. Some were thought to be lost texts that you cannot find anywhere. Some were even written in an obscure language that only a handful of men could read. Anymore. One such text was a potions manual. Your healer ran across it and wanted it translated. She thought it might contain some forgotten potions and was quite anxious to read the book. I contacted a linguist who is a friend of mine and he said he would translate it. When it was returned, we were all shocked. Some of the potions were quite dangerous. We didn't dare let them fall into the wrong hands. My friend asked to be obliviated. However, some of them were quite helpful. The potion that Philip took, for example."
Harry and Remus were enthralled.
"The potion basically locks the werewolf away while leaving the enhanced senses and the strength. We only found one problem with the potion. It's not even a problem really. The wolf becomes your animagus form and you must turn at least once a month. It can be any day of the month but you must do it once a month. Philip actually finds it helpful when gathering information. He also romps around the grounds playing with the animals," Alfred laughed.
"So that is the only problem," asked Remus. "It sounds like a dream come true to me. Do you think it possible that I might talk the healer into making the potion for me? I would be willing to compensate her for her time and effort" Remus said hopefully.
"It's already started," said Alfred. "I contacted her while you were being fitted. She is delighted to make it again. She loves a challenge and can't wait to meet you. It will be ready by the full moon in 2 weeks.
"Thank you" said Remus tearfully. "I am forever in your debt. Ask anything and it's yours" he said as a tear slowly fell down his cheek.
"I will only ask one thing and you will owe me nothing," Alfred said. "All I ask is your friendship. This potion is a gift between friends and I would be proud to call you friend."
Remus smiled "You are a great man and I would be honored to be your friend" he said.
After a few moments of silence Terry spoke. "Not to change the subject or anything" he said "but these two look exhausted and in need of a good nights rest. Where shall they be staying?"
Alfred smiled "Why here of course. The top floor is the owner's suite. It is unplottable and protected by the Fidelius charm. I have taken the liberty of contacting one of your house elves Harry and sent her upstairs with your luggage. Everything is ready for you. I know this has been a long and tiring day for both of you but Harry, tomorrow will be just as long. We have many things to go over and you might want Remus along. You could use his opinion on a few things. I'll just walk you up."
As they rode the elevator Alfred said, "I will be by tomorrow at 10 am to go over your inheritance with you so please try to get plenty of sleep. Jarrod and Mikah will be staying tonight. The suite also has anti-apparition charms on it. I pity whoever tries to apparate in! They are in for a nasty shock! I will see both of you in the morning. Goodnight gentlemen.
