Disclaimer: No. Not Rowling's. Nothing belongs to me. Just playing in her universe
Hey guys. I wanted to address one issue that I've definitely questioned myself. Yes, Harry is manipulating his friends and family, and in a sense, it is for the 'greater good'. I'm really not thrilled about that fact, but the way I see it, he's not forcing them to do anything that they don't want to do. Harry didn't have a choice with the Dursleys, and he followed Dumbledore blindly. Harry told the Angels the truth, which are really the only people he's going to recruit to help stop Tom.
Anyway, I just wanted to address this a little bit, because there is a bit of manipulation in this next chapter, but nothing bad. And just as a warning, there is slight Dumbledore bashing, but nothing too extreme. Anyway, let me know what you think. Thanks for reading.
Midnight Star 25
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A Personal Life
The days following the meeting passed in a blur. It felt good to be reconnected with his fellow Angels, many of whom he had called 'friend' for years, but he had little time to dwell on that. It was now less then a week before the business officially opened its doors. Everything was ready. All of the paperwork was done, all the permits were in place, and all of the staff was hired. The building was completely furnished from the potion labs to the daycare center. He complied with every muggle and magical requirement (that wasn't easy), many of his contacts were in place and ready to help locate magical children in the muggle world (although it helped that he had 'tapped' into the Hogwarts Registry of Future Students--that was a long story and wasn't quite legal), and he also had contacts ready to help with the different magical creatures communities. The Potions labs had everything needed to start brewing, and all of the security was in place, from the actual guards to all wards and security spells on the building, and the amazing part was that he pulled it off in less then a month.
Now there was just one thing missing in Harry's life. His Family. His first stop? Remus Lupin. The man who only knew him as his boss, Jacob Myers, not his 'nephew', Harry Potter. Harry was about to have to prove just how good of an actor he was. Remus Lupin was not the only family member he wanted. He desperately wanted his godfather out of jail, but it would still be tricky to pull it off. He was afraid he might have to involve Dumbledore if his first plan failed. But for now, one step at a time. First thing, meet with Mooney. Second, get Padfoot out of jail. Boy, it was hard being a 30-year-old in an 11-year-old body.
Remus' POV
Remus couldn't believe how much his life had changed in a mere two weeks time. He had gone from living paycheck to paycheck, and constantly moving from place to place as he got work, being feared by most who would hire him, to holding a very high position in a company that knew what he was, and still wanted him; a very good salary, and with a bonus, with which, he was able to purchase decent robes, and rent a modest flat in Magical London.
He actually had a job he was looking forward to starting, and would be starting in less then a week. Yes, things were definitely looking up. Then why did he feel like there was something missing?
A rap on the window interrupted his thoughts. He opened it, and let the owl in. He removed the letter, thinking it was a letter from work, and immediately unrolled it. What he saw made his stop cold. It read…
Dear 'well I'm not sure what to call you',
Would it be okay if I called you Uncle Remus, although I like the sound of Uncle Mooney better. That's what my dad referred to you as in his journals. I feel like I already know you, although I know that you haven't seen me since I was a baby. I got my Hogwarts letter this year, and rejoined the wizarding world. I'll be boarding the train on September 1st, but if you have the time, I'd love to meet with you before then. I'll be in Diagon Alley on the 24th. If you want to meet, I'll be in the Leaky Cauldron around 2 p.m. Thank you for your time, and I hope to see you soon.
Your Nephew,
Harry Potter
Remus was gobsmacked as he reread the letter. James' son was contacting him! He had tried so many times to see Harry over the years, but each time, Dumbledore had stopped him; told him to wait until Harry came of age. Well, Harry was of age, and he had contacted him first. The 24th was the day before he started work, but he wouldn't miss that appointment for anything in the world.
Remus
On the 24th, Remus arrived at the Leaky Cauldron at 1:30. He was extremely nervous, although he wasn't entirely sure why. He looked around at the patrons, but none of them were an 11-year-old boy. He decided to get something to eat, and hopefully steady his nerves. Several minutes passed. All of a sudden, he felt a tap on the shoulder.
"Uncle Mooney?" came a child's voice
Remus turned around, slightly startled. Looking back at him was an 11-year-old version of his best friend. Several emotions shot through him.
"Harry?" The boy nodded, then with a child-like enthusiasm, gave Remus a child's hug by throwing his arms around his waist. Remus was taken aback, but immediately returned the hug. After a moment, they released the other.
Harry took the initiative. He put on a child's look of slight embarrassment.
"Sorry." he said innocently. "I just feel like I already know you."
Remus wasn't sure how to respond.
"Um, that's okay. You know…you look just like your dad, except your eyes, they're…"
"My mothers." Harry finished. "I've seen pictures. She was beautiful."
Remus nodded. "Yes, she was." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, before Harry spoke up.
"I read a lot of the stuff my parents left me. Letters, journals, even some memories in a pensieve. I loved all the pranks you guys pulled in school."
A ghost of a smile crossed Remus' face.
"Yeah, your dad was an expert in that particular field."
Harry smiled. "Yeah, he and Uncle Padfoot were always getting into trouble." Harry knew this would cause a reaction, and he was right. At the name of Padfoot, Remus' face fell.
"Harry…" he said slowly "I think there's something you should know…Padfoot…Sirius…he…" Remus was stumbling over the words. Harry decided to put him out of his misery.
"Remus, it's okay. I know what Sirius is accused of."
Remus looked startled. "Then…why…"
Harry reached into a bag he'd been carrying. He produced a single envelope and placed it in front of Remus.
"My parents left several letters in case…well, this one's for you."
Remus slowly picked up the letter. It had one word written on it. 'Mooney'.
(A/N: I'm afraid some of you may question the validity of the letter, but let me assure you that these letters were fully written and sealed by Lily and James. Harry would have only gained access to them when he turned 17, in his timeline, because the vaults were originally under his guardian's jurisdiction. Lily and James left them there, because they had named Sirius as guardian, and he would have allowed Harry access to the vaults and the letters. Anyway, on with the story.)
"Harry…
"Remus, please…just read the letter. I think it'll explain a lot."
Remus let out a heavy sigh. "Okay." he said softly.
He picked up the letter and broke the magical seal. Harry sat back, as Remus started reading. He knew this would be hard, but it had to be done, and the sooner the better, as far as Harry was concerned. Harry could tell when Remus got to the important part. A look of horror crossed his face, while going ashen white. As he finished reading the letter, he slowly sat it back down on the table.
"He…he didn't do it." Harry could see the relief that consumed his face.
Harry smiled. "No, he didn't. He was completely innocent."
Tears were starting to well up in Remus' eyes.
"You know, I don't think he killed all those muggles either."
Remus looked up, confusion on his face. "What…do you mean?" he asked slowly.
(Acting abilities, 11-years-old, kid NOT adult)
"Well…I've read all the reports on it, and it doesn't make sense. Peter was the spy and the secret keeper, not Sirius, but Sirius knew Peter was the secret keeper, at least according to mum and dad's letters. From everything I've read about Sirius in Dad's journals, he seemed…well…a bit…hotheaded." he said slowly, looking at Remus for confirmation.
A faint smile played on Remus' lips, as he nodded. "Sirius always did act before thinking things through."
Harry nodded. "I thought so." He said innocently
This made Remus chuckle.
"Anyway…" Harry continued "…If Sirius did figure out Peter had betrayed you guys …well…I mean, if I was in Sirius' position…I might go after Peter too without thinking about the consequences." Harry could see the wheels turning in Remus' head, as he put all the pieces together.
"Peter blew up the street…then…framed Sirius."
Harry nodded. "I think so. I also don't think he's dead, like they claim. I think he faked it. I know he was a rat animagus…" this made Remus look up in surprise, but Harry went on "…and I think he decided to cut off his finger, make it look like he was dead, and that Sirius did it, transform into a rat, then escape into the sewers."
"So simple." Remus breathed. Then a realization hit him. "Harry…" he said slowly "…if you know about Peter being an animagus, then…does that mean…"
Harry just smiled. "I know about Dad and Sirius too. I also know they were illegal, and why. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Plus, I think it's cool to have an uncle who's a…" his voice dropped "werewolf." he whispered.
Remus just shook his head. "Boy, kid…you beat all. Just like your dad."
Harry grinned. "Thanks."
Remus just laughed.
"Remus?"
Remus looked at him. "Hmm?"
"I want to get Sirius out of jail."
Remus' face fell. "Harry…I…even…even with this evidence…I doubt it would be enough to make the Ministry listen."
Harry nodded. "I know. Dad didn't like the Ministry either."
Remus looked surprised. "You know? Then what do you want to do?"
"I want to find Peter." Harry said simply
Remus was startled. "What?...How?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know…yet. But if we find Peter, and get the Ministry to try him under veritaserem, we can prove that he was the secret keeper, not Sirius, and that he blew up the street and killed all those people. I mean, if they'd done that to Sirius, they could have proved that he wasn't the secret keeper!"
Remus wasn't sure how to respond to the boy's statement. It was true. Sirius had, ultimately, been sent to Azkaban without a trial. Everyone believed Sirius had been the Secret Keeper, including himself, a fact which he was now, immensely ashamed of. Peter had fooled all of them! Remus felt his anger level rising. Harry could see this as well, and decided it was time for a change in topic.
Harry gave him a small smile. "I'm sorry, Uncle Mooney. I know there's nothing we can do right now, but maybe we can figure out something later."
Remus looked up. "Don't worry, Harry. We'll figure something out."
Harry gave him an innocent look. "Thanks, Uncle Mooney."
There was a moment of silence, before Remus spoke up. "So Harry, you live with your relatives' right?"
(Acting abilities, upset kid)
Harry's face fell, and a frown crossed it. "Yeah." He grumbled. "But I wish I didn't." he pouted.
Remus was surprised at his nephew's attitude. "What do you mean, Harry?"
Harry shrugged. "My relatives don't like me, and they really don't like magic. I don't even know why they took me in, in the first place."
A look of concern crossed Remus' face. "What do you mean 'they don't like you'?"
Harry shrugged again. "They just don't. They think I'm weird, a freak. I can't wait to go to Hogwarts!"
Remus looked shaken. "Do they actually call you that, Harry?" Harry nodded. "What…I mean…How do they treat you?"
"Huh?"
"I mean, do they…do they hurt you?"
Harry bit his bottom lip. He really didn't want to tell his uncle just what went on in that house those last ten years. He decided to only tell part of it.
"Uh, not…not really." He lied. "They make me cook and clean. Sometimes they get mad at me, and lock me in the cupboard or don't feed me, but its okay cause I can always sneak food from the kitchen."
Remus was horrified! "What do you mean cupboard!? They don't actually starve you, do they?!"
"Well…uh… the cupboards my…uh…room. It's where I sleep. And, uh…I mean, I can always find something to eat."
Remus deadpanned. HE SLEPT IN A CUPBOARD! THEY STARVED HIM! DID THEY PHYSICALLY ABUSE HIM?
How could he have let this happened!? To his nephew!? To James' son!?
How could Dumbledore have let this happen!? Surely he knew what went on in that house! He knew everything!
Remus still felt incredibly guilty for not doing something, but he actually hated Dumbledore at that moment for allowing Harry to stay with those horrid people!
Well, that would change! Even a month ago, Remus wouldn't have felt he had the ability or the resources to care for Harry, even a month ago, but now…He would do whatever it took to make sure Harry NEVER saw those people again! His thoughts were interrupted by a small voice.
"Uncle Mooney?"
Remus slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Harry moved to sit next to him. He saw the guilt and anger on his Uncle's face.
"You didn't do anything wrong, Uncle Mooney."
Remus sighed. "That's just it, Harry. I didn't do anything. I…I should have insisted with Dumbledore to let me see you. I'm so sorry." Harry didn't say anything. He knew Remus needed to get this out. After a moment of silence, Remus finally spoke again.
"Harry, uh…how'd you like to come home with me?"
A big smile lit up his nephew's face. "Really?! That'd be awesome!" Harry threw his arms around his Uncle. "I love you, Uncle Mooney."
Remus looked surprised. "But you don't know me."
Harry shrugged. "In a way, I do. I never really knew my parents either, but I still love them."
Remus didn't know how to argue with his nephew's logic.
"Do…um…do we need to pick up any of your stuff?"
Harry pretended to think for a moment. "Uh, not really. All my clothes are just Dudley's old ones. I really don't have anything else. I brought a new truck today, and all my school supplies." Harry pointed to his trunk, and several bags scattered around it.
"Did you do this by yourself?"
Harry shrugged. "I'm used to doing things alone."
Another shot of guilt shot through Remus. "Did you…uh…get some clothes?"
Harry shook his head.
"Well, would it be alright if we went shopping? I need to pick up a few things anyway."
Harry smiled. "Sure."
Harry and Remus spent the next few hours in Diagon Alley. Harry bought a new child's wardrobe. His 'adult' wardrobe was safely hidden in one of the many compartments in his trunk. Harry loved being able to spend time with Remus again. Remus had died 4 years before the end of the war, during a Death Eater attack on Hogwarts. Ironically enough, it had been by a fellow werewolf.
At the end of the day, Remus apparated the tow of them back to his flat. After supper, Harry and Remus talked long into the night, until Harry drifted off to sleep on the couch. (A/N: Even if Harry has a 30-year-old mind, he still has and 11-year-old body. Kids go to sleep earlier then adults.)
As Remus covered his nephew with a light blanket, he vowed to protect Harry at all costs. He had made this same vow to James before he died, and because he had listened to Dumbledore, he had failed his best friend.
Well, he wouldn't fail again!
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So, liked it? Hated it?
Next chapter, you'll see the official opening of the Unity Foundation. Should be up fairly quickly.
