Authors' Note To my awesome readers - Hey guys, how's it hangin'? So I know you are all probably royally pissed at me and I can only say, I'm sorry. About a week after the last chapter was posted, I sat down to write the next one and I did… and two others. I was so proud of myself and I was going to surprise you guys but I was tired and decided I was going to go to sleep. I shut down my computer and lay down. The next morning I got up, inspired to write a forth chapter and I clicked on my Lupin Childe document and guess what I found?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. A void of nothingness.

I was crushed and angry and I abandoned my computer for several weeks. Seriously. I was pissed.

There has also been some other things going on in my life. My sister is pregnant with her second child and every time I talk to her, she seems to be going to the hospital. She's fainting on buses, having these horrible pains and generally having a hard time of it. We expect her to give birth any time now, even though she's not due until April. There has even been talk of twins, which has gotten her particularly anxious because it started off as a joke but in reality would explain the consistent pain on her spin.

Then, added to that, I have the general chaos my life has become because I am now a high school senior. I'm way behind on all my college application stuff and my counselor has been harassing me at every turn when in reality all I need now is HER recommendation. Stupid bitc-… well, you know…

So anyway, I'm sorry about the wait, I hope these chapters don't suck though they will never be as good as the originals. Just know I won't abandon the story- I might drop off the face of the planet for indeterminable amounts of time, but I won't abandon it.

Have fun.

Chapter Ten (because the last chapter was actually an interlude if I remember correctly)

Remus watched amusedly as Harry talked to the dicta quill he was using to write letters to Madam Pomfrey and Severus. He was telling them about everyone and here and that made Remus happy, he was glad his cub was adjusting. "Harry, it's time for you to get bathed and dressed, were going to the park today, remember?"

Harry turned his head towards him and quickly finished the dictation of his letter, standing and facing Remus when he was done. "'Kay Moony, I'm all finished!" he chirped cheerfully.

"I'll take that," Remus said, gently removing the paper from Harry's hands. He waved his wand and duplicated it, spelling one to say 'Madam Poppy' and the other to say 'Mister Severus'. He smiled down at his cub and nudged him out of the sitting room. "Run along to tante Lianna, she's going to get you ready, I'll mail these for you right now."

"Okay." Harry grinned. He threw himself at Remus' legs for a hug and raced away just as quickly. Remus shook his head.

"He is quite energetic, isn't he?" a humor lined voice asked and he spun around to face Maribell who was now sitting on the sofa. She hadn't been there a second ago.

"Where'd you come from?" he asked incredulously. She hadn't come through the doorway as he was standing in it and maman's house was like Hogwarts, impossible for anyone to apprapearte in or out off including those who lived there.

Maribell smiled condescendingly which Remus firmly believed was the only way she could smile. "Honestly, brother, I've been sitting here the whole time."

Remus narrowed his eyes knowing that was a lie but, having no proof as to how she entered without his noticing. he said nothing. Maribell seemed satisfied. "But your lack of awareness of your surroundings was not the point, I was speaking of your son. He is becoming quite vigorous, isn't he."

It wasn't really a question but Remus shrugged. "He's grown very fond of you all in the short time we've been here, you've been good to him."

"As if we would have been anything else," Mari deadpanned. She then glanced at the ceiling. "Are you sure it's wise to allow Lianna to bathe and dress the boy?"

Remus snorted. "It's only Ly, what the worst she can do?"

Silence flooded the room for several seconds before Remus thrust some papers at her, mutter 'mail these' and ran out the room. She could tell by his footsteps he was taking the stairs two at a time Maribell sniffed in disdain at her brothers thoughtlessness but stood to mail the letters anyway, they were from her darling nephew after all.

--

"Lianna! Open the door!"

"I will when I finish!"

"Finish doing what?!"

Lianna rolled her eyes and turned her head away from the door to her bedroom and her brothers crossed tones. She went back to her private bathroom and found Harry sitting in the large bath, frowning at his adopted fathers yells. "Is something wrong with Remus?" he asked hesitantly. Lianna smiled sweetly to appease him.

"No, of course not honey. Remi's just suffering from acute separation anxiety." She wanted to giggle when the boys cute little face scrunched up in confusion. "Auntie will tell you when you're older," she said instead and Harry nodded his acceptance. He was such a sweet boy.

She picked back up the towel and continued to gently wash him. Harry sat obediently still, not splashing about or making waves like any other child would do. It made Lianna just a bit sad because she knew it was because of those horrible people he'd lived with before.

"Lianna!"

Lianna glanced at the door idly. "So, are you excited about going to the park today?" she asked loudly making Harry stare at her strangely. The pounding on her bedroom door continued.

"Yes," Harry responded. "I've never been to the park before."

"Well it's going to be lots of fun!" she almost yelled over the banging and Harry began to giggle looking between her and the door. "Don't you think?"

"Yes!" Harry agreed just as loudly his voice bright with laughter. "I think it will be lots of fun!"

The banging stopped for a moment and they could hear Remus grumbling on the other side and then his footsteps walking away. Aunt and nephew traded looks with each other before they both burst out in giggles.

--

Lianna opened her door and gestured for him to come in. "See. Look. There's absolutely nothing wrong with him. I wouldn't hurt the baby." she grinned and Remus stepped in, his eyes finding Harry immediately. They boy smiled up at him from where he was sitting on Lianna's bed, neatly dressed in dark jeans and a royal blue jumper. His tiny boot clad feet swung cheerfully and bright eyes gleamed. As Remus' eyes took Harry in to make sure his sister hadn't done anything irreparable

Lianna waltzed over to her dresser and picked up one of the bottled potions sitting there. She then went over to her bed and sat behind Harry. First she poured the clear potion in her hand before rubbing it through his hair. Harry giggled at the tickling sensation. "What's that?" Remus demanded taking a step forward. Lianna rolled her eyes.

"It's one of my potions, of my own creation and already tested. It's harmless."

"What does it do?" her brother asked wearily.

"Well right now it'll just make his hair look shiny and dashing, two days from now when it kicks in… well, you'll see."

Remus wanted to protest but Lianna had already finished, picked up Harry into her surprisingly strong arms and with long strides had crossed the room. She passed him Harry and then hurried him out the door. "Now be gone demon, I have to get dressed too you know." Remus caught a brief look at her indeed pajama clad figure before the door slammed in his face. He looked down at Harry who seemed just as startled as he was. Remus sighed and ran a hand through the boys hair. Whatever that potion was, it had left no residue nor scent. He would have to wait two days to figure out what it was then.

"Come on then," he said starting down the hall towards the stairs. "Let's go wait for aunt Ly down- Harry? What's wrong?"

The boy didn't answer him but was instead was staring wide eyed over his shoulder. Remus turned to see just what his son was looking at only to have the small body removed from his hands. Liana brushed pass him, dressed to perfection and hair curled and neat looking. "Come on Remy, we don't have all day." she called over her shoulder. Harry looked bewilderedly back at him and Remus for several seconds could only stare. Then he shook his head. He didn't even want to know.

--

Harry wandered around the beautiful park area with a smile, he was glad he got to come today. He passed by some bushes and looked up, making sure he was still well within Remus' and Lianna's sight. Remus was watching him from the bench he was sitting on with Lianna and smiled when Harry looked before turning his head patiently back to his sister who was chattering away excitedly. Harry giggled to himself.

After two hours of playing with his energetic aunt around the park, he needed to rest a bit. He really didn't know where his tante Ly got her energy from but he just couldn't keep up with her. Remus, as always, noticed his weariness and persuaded Ly to sit down for a while and talk with him (though she was doing most if not all the talking in a fast paced language Harry could not identify). Harry was both amused and grateful for his adopted father. He loved Ly dearly but she was just…

Harry brushed his hand past another bush humming softly as he'd heard Gran do and studying the world around him. There were many people in the park that day and Harry had to fight with himself to keep from getting over whelmed. Parents and children were all over the place, having fun and Harry, though he knew Remus wanted him to make friends, was rather reluctant to approach any of the children his age. He wasn't very social to begin with and they were just everywhere, all at once, talking, laughing, yelling, crying, cheering… Wait.

Harry turned his head to a very faint sound. Someone, close by, was crying. A terrible curiosity bubbled up in him and without thinking he headed towards the sound. It was coming from behind another bush and with one last glance at Remus (who was frowning slightly at Lianna and seemed to be reprimanding her if the look on her face was anything to go by) he ducked under the brush. He crawled with slight difficulty but was freed from the pokey branches of the bush quickly as it wasn't very big.

"(Who are you?)"

Harry's head snapped up at the voice and was meet with the teary gaze of another little boy. Harry stood, looking at him curiously. The boy was older, definitely, maybe six or seven and with light brown hair that was overly messy, much like Harry's own. His blue eye were red rimmed and he was staring at Harry distastefully.

"(Who are you?)" The boy asked again and Harry blinked and shrunk back a little. The other child's voice was harsh. It took him a moment more to register the question, spoken in French but with a different accent then what he was used to when hearing any of his new family speaking it.

"Harry," he responded softly.

The blue eyes regarded him for a moment before they were whipped with a sleeve, riding them of tears. "(My name's Maxie Jenifero. I haven't seen you around here before, what's your surname?)"

Harry frowned, mentally translating the words that still sounded odd to his ears. "Lupin," he said finally. "(My name is Harry Lupin.)"

Maxie's head tilted a bit and he pressed his lips. "(Lupin? Who do you belong to?)"

Harry frowned at that question, not knowing how to respond and was about to say such when the other boy's eyes widened in recognition. "You are Mr. Remus' son? Ms. Brie's new grandson?" Harry started at the sudden switch to heavily accented English but nodded. The boy stood swiftly causing Harry to stumble back startled. "It iz nice to meet you zen." Maxie said holding out a hand which Harry wearily took. "Who are you here vith?"

"Remus and my tante Ly," he told the boy and was surprised when his face lit up.

"Lianna? I vant to see her. Let's go zen." Harry watched as he dropped to his knees and crawled through the bushes where Harry had come in and after a moments hesitation, he followed. As soon as he was on the other side, Maxie took his arm and tugged him firmly yet gently into the direction where Remus and Lianna still sat. Both adults looked up when the came closer and while Remus looked curious and slightly concerned, Lianna grinned.

"Maxie!" she exclaimed. "How have you been lovely?" Maxie smiled charmingly at her.

"I am fine Miss Lianna, and you?"

"Never better!" the woman responded with a grin and then turned her head to her brother. "Remi, this is Maxie. He's Ronnie's boy, the one I, maman, and Levi was telling you about."

Remus' eyes lit up in recognition and he nodded. "It's nice to meet you Maxie, I'm Ly's brother, Remus."

"I know you," Maxie smiled. "Ma talks about you and I vas supposed to come meet you vhen you arrived a vhile ago but I got in trouble zat day."

"Harry?" Lianna called to the little boy who was standing just behind the elder one and listening to the conversation quietly. "Did you just meet Maxie?" Both boys nodded but Maxie again was the one who spoke.

"He found me in ze bushes, my ma's on ze other side of ze park vith ze girls. Do you vant to see her?"

Lianna looked overjoyed at the very prospect and Remus shrugged with a smile. "Sure, it's been a while since I've seen Ronnie."

"Well let's go!" Lianna said jumping from her seat and leading the way, Maxie following behind her. Remus stood at a much more sedated pace and picked up Harry in one practiced moved.

"Let's go keep your auntie out of trouble, shall we." Harry smiled brightly and stuck his thumb in his mouth.

As I'm sure you've noticed, this chapter is heinously short, but not to worry, I won't leave you all hanging quite yet.

hitori