Harry's gift from Sirius had been a shock for him. It wasn't the first gift Harry got from him since Sirius left. Aura was a gift for him from Sirius. Narcissa had reminded Remus her cousin couldn't forget Harry would start school that year. But that voucher had come with no letter or card. Remus had only known it came from Sirius by the fact it came from the US. Remus wondered what Sirius was trying to pull now. He had been gone for years and Harry knew him as nothing more then a character in the stories. He knew the man had once been close to Papa wolf and his dad but he was some stranger. He wasn't the man who never wanted to put baby Harry down.
He watched that afternoon as Harry and Draco went out flying. Harry had been surprised by the gift but he hadn't really asked any questions. Remus was trying not to worry. There had been a time when he would have given any thing for the man to come home. But now he was worried. He worried about his son being hurt.
Severus came up to him "He can't take Harry away from you."
Remus turned to him slightly "How is it even after all these years you still know what I am thinking?"
Severus smiled a bit "You used to tell me I was reading your mind. But this time it's obvious."
Having a boyfriend trained in legimency may have worried some people. Remus knew though that Severus would never have invaded his thoughts. Severus knew how he felt and thought because they were closer then any one else to each other. Even after all this time apart they seemed to have a bond. It was why Lucius thought them fools. They knew each other so well except when it came to love.
Remus hadn't been meant to raise Harry. He could still remember reminding Sirius of his promise to James and his own problem. He hadn't been sure he could raise Harry as a wolf. But with the help of the Malfoys he had become Papa to Harry and he couldn't lose him.
Severus reminded him "He can't contest your adoption. Harry is your little boy."
Remus nodded "Lucius knew there would be opposition. He covered any loop holes Sirius was sent notice as we knew where he was back then."
Sirius had two years after the adoption where he could have protested. Even then once the adoption was complete he would have had little chance. He wasn't Harry's dad or even Uncle who gave up his son for adoption. It took three years of red tape but Remus had adopted his little boy. But it wasn't custody of Harry that had Remus worried. Severus knew it was the same worry that led to the secrecy behind him.
Remus looked down at his own gift from Sirius. It was the picture of the marauders and Harry on his first birthday with Peter removed from the photo. He had sent no note to Remus with it. He was likely reminded of the letter he had never responded to.
Remus sighed "I was wrong about you. But Sirius walked out on him."
Severus held him "And you."
Remus shook his head "I had years to deal with it. How do I explain if he comes back?"
Sirius hadn't simply been in mourning or not ready to be a dad. He had blamed Harry for the deaths of his parents. In a way it was better he left and Harry never grew up around his resentment. Remus thought his old friend would take some time and come to his senses. But this wasn't only the third time only the man was in contact. He had waited seven years to send the first letter. It would only hurt Harry to know why the man left. And he knew he would have to tell Harry if he came back.
Severus motioned to the boys "You have raised an amazing son and you will help him with what ever comes. And I will be there for you."
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Harry was surprised but happy when his dad came back to school with him. He had been convinced by his son and Severus to take the job. He hadn't really a life to leave. He would continue his books from school and see the Malfoys all the time. He had been surprised how fast it happened. He thought Easter the soonest sure the old professor would want time. It turns out he was anxious to leave and happy for Remus to take over right away.
Harry was so happy he was coming. He would have a room with his dad but he would remain in the dorms. He was sure it was proof he had worked his magic on Papa and Severus as well. If Papa was at school it would be much easier to get them together.
Remus had been at school for a month when an elf appeared in his rooms one night "Professor Snape be asking you to come."
He was a bit surprised by the time even if Friday "Is something wrong?"
The little elf didn't answer and took off. Remus was a bit worried as his son was working with the man tonight in the lab. Harry had proven while the position was to play matchmaker he actually really liked it. He wondered what James would have thought if he had known his son was considering potions. Remus knew if his son was hurt he would have been sent to the infirmary. Putting down his book he went down.
Severus had an odd look on his face when he ushered Remus into his rooms. He found his son curled up fast asleep. He would have taken Harry to his dorm but knew he usually spent the weekend with his Papa. Remus confirmed it.
Severus stopped him "Since I didn't open the floo maybe I can offer you tea."
Remus smiled at that "I am parched from the long long walk down here."
Severus called for some "This isn't the latest I have kept him but I hear he joined practice this afternoon."
The two of them had some tea and talked. Harry may have been asleep the first time but he was awake and did this intentionally. It worked better then he thought. He thought he fooled them until his Papa came over to him.
Remus had watched his son sleep enough to know he was faking. "I will not be carrying you to bed. And as punishment for this little trick you get none of the short bread."