The Familiar Stranger

Written by: Adventure-Seeking-Juliet

Disclaimer: I claim no ownership to the world of Harry Potter. I am certainly not J.K.R.

A/N I'd like to thank all of the kind reviewers who answered my previous Author's Note. I'm incredibly excited to return to this story with a fresh mind. I'd also like to thank all of the readers who used to follow the story, I'm terribly sorry for letting you guys down, and even though it may be too late, I hope I can make up for the long, unplanned hiatus. (On a happier note, I like to think my writing has improved greatly since my last update, so hopefully you'll enjoy the story even more.) Without further ado, here is the long awaited fourteenth chapter of The Familiar Stranger.

Chapter 14: Green

"I'm not glum," Alan replied," I'm just glad to finally meet you. An original Marauder in the flesh!"

Sirius chuckled," Yes, that's me," he paused for a moment," I have so much to ask you, but for now, let's just start with this. How can I help you?"

Alan grinned, sheepishly," It's a long story."

"And I have nothing but time."

Alan took a deep breath, but before he could confide the rest of the plan to his grandfather, a furious pounding sounded below the shack.

They were running out of time.

The shrieking shack creaked, another loud pounding shaking the frame of the dilapidated building. Dust and dirt drifted from the walls, covering the destroyed furniture in a new layer of filth.

Alan started to speak, but Sirius cut him off," Footsteps. Someone's coming."

Alan stood and removed his wand from his pocket, preparing for the worst, but Sirius shook his head.

"There's more than one pair of footsteps, Alan. You're a kid, you can't take on three fully-fledged wizards and hope to win," Sirius held out his hand, expectantly" I'll do it."

Alan smirked," Nice try, gramps, but I doubt they came all this way looking for little ol' me. If you're caught now, you won't be able to help anyone."

"Alan-"

"They'll cart you off to Azkaban without batting an eye," Alan continued, his eyes hard," I'll take care of this."

The footsteps lumbered closer, but Sirius was reluctant to take advice from his thirteen-year-old time-traveling grandson.

"I can't leave you to face them alone, I'm the adult here, I should be the one protecting you."

Alan's lips twitched into a rare smile. It was hopeful and trusting, a truly innocent smile he didn't even remember he could make," If this all works out, one day you will be the one protecting me."

Before Sirius could answer, the door popped off its hinges with a loud bang. A cloud of dust lingered in the air, nearly obscuring the faces of their discoverers, but once the smoke cleared, it was obvious the Blacks were in way over their heads.

Snape was the first through the door, flanked by a man with flowing silver locks, which Alan could only assume was the infamous Lucius Malfoy and the current Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.

"Ah, it seems you were right, Severus," Fudge announced," Who knew the Whomping Willow lead to such an abysmal hide out?"

The three wizards were silent for a moment, seemingly at a loss for words, but Alan knew better than to try anything. Behind him, he could feel Padfoot pacing. Alan could only thank Merlin his grandfather had decided to become an unregistered animagus.

Lucius gave the cramped room a look of distaste," Can we just get this over with?"

"Right, right, of course," Fudge replied," Alright then, Severus, please escort Mr. MacDough back to the school if you will. Find a nice room to keep him in until the other officials arrive."

"Officials? I haven't done anything besides break curfew…" Alan tried his innocent smile," I'm sure a few nights of detention would teach me a lesson just as well."

Snape sneered," Actually, the theft and illegal use of a time-turner with intent to alter future happenings falls under court jurisdiction, Mr. MacDough."

Padfoot stiffened, a low growl emanating from his throat.

Fudge made a face." I suggest you calm your…pet, or we'll be forced to-"

Alan shot him a glare," Padfoot is very well-behaved, Minister."

Alan patted Padfoot's head, but his growls continued, much to the apprehension of Fudge.

"Well? Are you going to come willingly?" Malfoy demanded," If not, we can arrange for other methods of transportation."

Alan shrugged, trying to keep himself together. They'd find a way out of this. They had to.

"I'll come willingly, but only if you'll take my dog to Professor Lupin. I have to make sure he's…taken care of." Alan gave Padfoot a pointed look.

"You're in no position to bargain with us," Lucius spat," You'll be lucky if you're ever seen again after what the Unspeakables do to you."

Alan paled, suddenly realizing the gravity of the situation. At least they didn't seem to know about Teddy.

Fudge sighed," Now, now Lucius…there's no need to be rude to the boy. Severus, make sure you arrange for Lupin to receive his…pet."

"Padfoot," Alan supplied quietly," His name is Padfoot."

"Right, well," Fudge continued," If you'll follow us, Mr. MacDough. The Unspeakables aren't the most patient of people; we best not keep them waiting."

~In the Point of View of Professor Remus John Lupin~

By the time the moon had vanished from the sky, I was fully awake. My joints still ached from the transformation, but my mind swarmed with far too many questions; sleep would be impossible.

Teddy stirred in his sleep, and despite myself, I smiled. When he didn't consciously focus on controlling his metamorphagy, his hair seemed to flicker between a light blue and a vibrant green, as if it couldn't quite make its mind up.

I struggled to my feet, groaning when my knees creaked and popped. Wolfsbane lessoned some of the pain, but the transformation never ceased to exhaust my body. I limped around the small kitchen-are of my office, making two cups of chocolate-infused tea. Teddy would be awake, and no doubt, we had much to discuss. I knew that I had to help him. It wasn't a question of morals or guilt, it was more like an instinct. I'd been fighting it for so long; it was about time I let go. Whoever Teddy was, whatever his circumstances, we had a connection.

I settled myself in my arm-chair, sipping my tea slowly. Fortunately,

Teddy began mumbling in his sleep just as I was starting to dose off.

At first, the words were incoherent, but the more I listened, the more one word started to stick out to me: dad.

Suddenly all of the pieces were falling into place…Teddy and Alan's strange appearance, Teddy's family background…my intense desire to help him…

I jumped to my feet, in shock, and before I could catch myself, my cup had tumbled to the floor. The glass shattered.

Startled by the noise, Teddy jolted awake. His amber eyes were wide and confused, but none of it mattered anymore, because I knew the truth.

Teddy was my son.

A/N Reviews are appreciated. I'd love to know what you guys think of this chapter...it was difficult to work back into things, so I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for reading! Also, I'm in the market for a new Beta reader, if anyone's interested.