Remus felt like a teen again. He felt like when the truth came out and he was taunted. At least then he had Lily and Severus not to mention the marauders. This time was even more painful. Those kids didn't know the truth and either had he. He had spent all these years teaching Harry about his pack and showing the truth about them. He truly believed Harry respected and understood. Remus had almost committed suicide when James and Sirius used him against Severus. It was Severus who stopped him and in the end convinced him to live. He hadn't seen being a wolf as a curse for years. But that all changed.
He looked around his rooms. This school was his home for so long but he shook it away. Madam Maxime was offering him a real class and pay. He had thought of it before but Harry was here. He would put in his notice and spend the summer with the pack.
He heard someone come into the rooms and knew it was Severus "How is he?"
Severus could hear the pain in his voice "He is sleeping. I came to find out how you are."
They both knew what Severus was thinking about. He was picturing Remus with the bottle of hemlock he stole from potions class. Severus had noticed Remus was not in class and Horace seemed to think he misplaced the bottle. He knew Remus too well and the man blamed himself. He didn't tell Remus but while he saw to Harry he had an elf watch Remus. He hoped the man was not so desperate but he would not take the risk.
Remus sunk down at his window. He would miss Severus but the man would come visit. He doubted if Harry told his parents about this he would be welcome. Lily and James loved him but in spite of what he was. If their son came to him with his fears they would be irate.
Remus struggled to remain calm "I know Harry needs you. I'm an adult."
Severus came to him "But you have feelings too and he had no right to say that to you."
Remus tried to shake him off "I was just a fool to think he could accept this. Of course he would be scared. I wouldn't want to marry me either."
He was a wolf and until now Harry was one of the few totally accepting. He could have a normal life in France but not here. Here he would always hide what he was. Madam Maxime knew he was a shifter but Albus didn't. Pureblood wolves tended to be feared the most as they were more powerful. Where in France being a shifter meant he could work even full moons here many would fear it. Life either an outcast here or in exile in France what an offer for Harry.
Severus cut him off. He reminded Remus Harry didn't have to be bitten to bond Fenrir and the pack would welcome him. And living and either school or working in France wasn't exile. Draco and Hermione not to mention Severus and Godric would always be there.
Remus shook his head "He won't believe me. I would never force him for mate or bite. But you heard him."
Severus sat "He was scared Remus. The moment you left he looked sick. He is beating himself up. He never meant to hurt you."
Reminded of how Harry always apologized right away even when right to be angry Remus wasn't shocked. Severus assured him Harry understood Remus would never force him into either. He thought Harry just needed time for both. If he came to live with the pack he would likely want to be one.
Severus squeezed his hand "I told Harry to give it a chance and you wouldn't abandon him either way. Take tonight to calm and tomorrow come talk."
Remus nodded "If he still wants me in his life I am not going any where well emotionally. I just can't be around him all the time."
France was a good idea even if Harry would bond Severus thought aloud. Remus deserved a real job and freedom sadly the UK wouldn't offer. It would also help Harry adjust to the idea if in a country more accepting of the man he may marry. Even if he was not bitten how Remus was treated would always affect Harry.
Severus was reluctant to leave but was assured the man would be okay. "Come for breakfast tomorrow. He was just scared. The two of you need to talk."
Harry was fed a potion so he could sleep the night before. He was so upset and not about the imprint. He knew his Uncle was right and Moony wouldn't force him. Harry felt such shame at what he said. He knew not only Remus better then that but the pack. The pack always welcomed him and he had called them animals basically monsters. His Uncle tried to assure him Remus would forgive him but he wasn't certain he could forgive himself.
He was awake for breakfast and surprised when his Uncle took him into the sitting room. He was curled up on the couch with Nemo when the door opened. He was surprised to see Remus come in. He was worried but his Uncle sent him a look reminding him of his assurances.
Harry barely waited till the man was in the room "I'm so sorry Moony. I didn't mean it I swear."
Remus came over "It's okay. I know you were upset."
Harry shook his head "No I shouldn't have said it. I hurt you and the pack. I know you're not that. Please Moony I'm so sorry."
Sinking down on the table Remus almost kissed his forehead. He knew though it was something he did to Harry as a child and would confuse him now. He had to even more distance himself from the role of a possible Uncle. He had been thinking most of the night. He was not giving up hope on Harry yet.
He took Harry's hand "I can't deny it hurt a lot cub. I haven't considered it a curse before last night for many years. But I understand."
Harry squeezed the hand "I'm sorry. I know it's not a curse. And Uncle Sev explained about France."
Remus assured him his Uncle was right that Remus wouldn't abandon him. He surprised Harry when he said he would move to France either way. He could take over defence in the fall or wait an extra year and take over when the charms professor retired. If there was a chance Harry would bond with him he would take the second. Life would be easier for the two of them in France. And Harry could come see his family and friends all the time.
Remus swore to Harry he would never force him. He would take this slow and if ever it was too much he would back off. He loved Harry and as much as he hoped to bond one day he repeated it was Harry's choice alone. He didn't need to choose about teaching until mid summer.
Harry was still a bit pale but he nodded "I will try Moony. I will give you a chance."
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