Disclaimer: Harry Potter- Not mine.

A Change of Identity

Chapter 10: Aftermath of Shopping

'Go to your room, put your things away tidily, and then write out two hundred times, "I am too old to throw childish temper tantrums." Bring them down to the kitchen when you're done. And be sure to write neatly.'

Harry opened his mouth to speak but then remembered that he couldn't. He looked at Lupin, scowling, and pointed at his mouth. Lupin was unmoved.

I'll remove the charm when I see your lines,' he said. 'On you go.'

Remus watched Harry stalk up the stairs and round the corner at the top before going to make himself a much needed cup of tea. The day had started off alright but before they were half way through buying everything that Harry required he had begun to grumble about how he had enough already. He'd decided to give the boy a break and brought forward their visit to the London Planetarium which Harry had seemed to genuinely enjoy with its massive dome imitating the night sky. A trip on the Underground had followed which had rather overwhelmed the boy and he'd kept quiet. But then the shopping had resumed and Harry had been determined to annoy Remus as much as possible. He claimed clothes didn't fit. Shoes pinched his feet. A jacket and trousers looked stupid. And so it went on. It had taken twice as long as it should have done to acquire the list of items James had asked Remus to buy for Harry. Finally, they left their purchases behind the bar at the Leaky Cauldron and went into Diagon Alley since Harry was to have two sets of casual robes as he only had his school ones. It was when Remus told him this that Harry had lost his temper and shouted out for the whole street to hear that he was fed up with shopping and wasn't going to set foot in the stupid robe shop. He'd then aimed a punch at Remus who easily caught his arm before it landed.

Since they were in Diagon Alley, Remus had options that weren't available in muggle London. He'd quickly silenced Harry and threatened to stick his hands together behind his back before marching him into Madam Malkins and telling her what was required. Subdued by the look on the professor's face, Harry sat on the stool without fuss while he was being fitted and followed him meekly back to the Leaky Cauldron when they were finished. Remus reclaimed their purchases then apparated the two of them back home since he wasn't prepared to give Harry his voice back yet so he couldn't use the floo.

Once he had made a pot of tea, Remus decided that he could do with some company. He put the pot and two mugs on a tray and carried it through to the drawing room. Five minutes later Sirius Black was sitting in the chair opposite him in front of the fireplace.

'So, had enough of the brat yet?' Sirius asked Remus with a grin. 'What have you done with him, anyway?'

'Don't call him a brat, Sirius. And he's upstairs writing lines.' Sirius guffawed at this reply.

'You just told me you've had to punish him when you've only been in charge of him for a day and you complain about me calling him a brat. What is he then, a wingless angel?' Remus sighed.

'Actually, Sirius, I had to punish him last night as well. But think about the position he's in. How do you think James would have reacted at that age if he had suddenly been told that he wasn't a Potter after all and he was really the son of someone he despised. Would he have been any better?'

'James was a decent kid to begin with,' retorted Sirius. 'That boy upstairs has always been bad news.' Remus sighed.

'James was an arrogant show off at that age and you know it. The difference is that he had decent parents. I can't imagine that Mr and Mrs Potter would have rejected James after raising him as a son for eleven years. Harry's been brought up by Snape. Furthermore, he's been badly hurt. For instance, Snape gave him a broomstick for his last birthday. Not only did he reclaim it when Harry's true parentage was revealed but he then openly gave it to Malfoy not long afterwards. And then James made it quite clear he wasn't interested in Harry. The only reason he's acknowledged him now is because he feels he owes him a debt for exposing Wormtail. Is it really any wonder he behaves like a brat?'

'Is this defence of Harry leading up to something by any chance, Remus?' asked Sirius. His friend laughed.

'Actually, I hadn't intended it like that. But now you come to mention it... it would be nice if you gave him a chance when you take over from me. He is your Godson after all. And I hope that by then he'll have learned to be a bit more civil and you won't have to put up with the attitude he's shown the last couple of days.'

'Fine,' agreed Sirius. 'I'll try not to murder him during your absence. What did he do to incur your wrath, anyway? James told me you were one of the easiest going professors in the school.'

Sirius laughed as Remus described Harry's attitude to shopping and even expressed a little sympathy for the boy. A day spent traipsing round clothes shops wouldn't have enthralled him at that age either. Although he said he would have dealt with him differently.

'Personally I would have turned him over my knee and given him a thorough spanking in the middle of Diagon Alley,' he said.

'Believe me, I was tempted,' said Remus. But I'm hoping my way will teach him to change his attitude. I don't think he appreciates not being able to talk.'

The two soon moved on to talk of other things. When Remus thought that Harry would be just about finishing his lines, Sirius left by floo. Remus returned to the kitchen and cleared away the tea things before settling down at the table to read the newspaper and wait for Harry.

At long last Harry finished writing his final line. His hand was aching by this time and he decided that he would have to make an effort to avoid annoying Lupin too much in future. Last nights confinement to his room hadn't particularly bothered him but he didn't find written punishments much fun. He gathered up his parchment and headed downstairs where he handed over his work.

Lupin inspected it and once satisfied ended the silencing charm on Harry and told him to sit down. A second later Tinks appeared and asked if they were ready for supper. They were soon served with steaming bowls of thick soup and rolls with a plate of cakes for afterwards. They ate in silence; Harry couldn't think of anything to say and Lupin kept quiet also. Once they were finished Harry made to get up and clear away as he had done at breakfast but Lupin stopped him.

'It's all right Harry,' he told him. 'As a regular rule you will clear away after breakfast and any odd snacks you have during the day. Tinks will take care of things after main meals.' Harry was glad to hear that- he'd been having visions of washing mountains of stuff if they ha any particularly large meals.

'Now,' continued the professor. We'll go over your timetable tonight so that we can get started straight away tomorrow.' He pulled out a parchment and moved his chair round to sit beside Harry so that they could both see it.

It was very similar to his school timetable except that he had set times for when he was to do homework. He also had set times which were to be spent outside. Lupin explained that he could either go flying within the confines of the garden or go for a walk. If he chose to go for a walk he was to change into muggle clothes and be back in time for his next lesson. Harry asked tentatively what would happen if he were to be late. Lupin looked at him steadily.

'I might pass over an occasional accident,' he said. 'But understand that I expect a reasonable standard of behaviour from you. You have already experienced some of the ways I can punish you. I have others also but I would advise you not to try to find out what they are. Now, to continue. You have a lot of work to catch up on so the plan is for you to sit your first year exams near the end of July. That way you will still have just over a month to relax before school starts up again. Also, your father will be able to help with some of your tutoring once Hogwarts breaks up.' Seeing Harry frown at this piece of news he added,

'You're going to have to learn to get along with him, Harry. Don't worry; I think he'll treat you better than he's done in the past.'

'Only because he thinks he owes me,' muttered Harry. He wasn't stupid and he'd guessed why Professor Potter had stopped harassing him after Pettigrew's capture. Lupin looked Harry straight in the eye.

'Harry, I know things can't be fixed in a few weeks after nearly twelve years. But you have to give it a try. Now go on up to bed. It's been a long day and you have schoolwork tomorrow.'

A N: Not a very exciting chapter, I know. At least half of it was never intended, either! Thanks again to reviewers. A few more of them would be appreciated, though.