"What are you thinking?" Harry wished Dumbledore would just yell. The disappointment and disapproval was worse than straight anger. "Harry, your mother died to protect you as long as she could, and now you've given that up. Why?" He tried to answer, but his mouth was suddenly very dry and would not form words.

"Professor-"

"I brought it up to Harry, Sir," Remus answered for him. "I thought it was about time he had a say in his life and you and I both know he's always wanted a real family."

"He had a family. The Dursleys-"

"Were only blood. They never cared about him. He slept in a closet for most his life and he's constantly half-starved. Sirius knew that wasn't good enough, and I gave Harry the opportunity for the normal life he's always wanted," Remus argued.

"Sometimes Remus, there are more important things in life than normalcy. I'd expect you to understand that," Dumbledore countered, leaning forward to look at Remus over the top of his glasses.

"And I'd expect you, Professor, to see that something is wrong when my parents treated a werewolf more tenderly than Harry's aunt and uncle treat him."

"Professor," Harry was finally able to say, "I knew the consequences when I agreed to this. I knew what my mother gave me, but I also think she intended for me to be happy. Voldemort already overcame the enchantment when he took my blood. I spend most of my year here or at the Burrow. And I turn seventeen in a year. It's only for another month that I would even need that protection. But now, I'm always with at least one member of the Order. I'll be just as safe as I was with the Dursleys, but now I'm happy. I... I have a real family like I've always wanted, like my parents and Sirius wanted," he pleaded with the Headmaster to understand. Dumbledore sighed and sat back in his chair.

"I fear you don't actually understand, but there's nothing that can be done about it now. I do caution you to keep this as secretive as possible."

"We already know who should know, Professor," Remus assured Dumbledore. "Ron and Hermione know, we're going to tell the Weasleys, and Tonks. The Dursleys know and Arthur's friend in the Ministry who handled the paperwork."

"Very well. All I have then is to offer my congratulations. Although I do not find your decision wise, I am glad you both are happy. The world could do with a little more happiness in it." Remus and Harry thanked him and awkwardly gave their parting comments. They were due to the Burrow for dinner to make their final announcement. Hermione and Ron were sent back to tell Mrs. Weasley that happy news was in order and Tonks should be called for dinner. There was no doubt that a celebration was before them.

XXX

The Burrow was in a frenzy as they stepped out of the fireplace.

"Ginny, chop those onions faster. Fred, George, whichever one you are, stop that right now! They'll be here at any moment!" Mrs. Weasley barked to her children. Remus stepped forward, arms spread wide, and laughed.

"Molly, you are making too much fuss over us." He embraced the stressed woman, which startled the short, plump matron.

"Remus! You're here," she cried, her hand rushing to her heart. "Well come in. Dinner is almost done. Arthur's just in the living room if you want to see him. Harry dear, welcome back. Ron and Hermione are setting the table outside. Will you bring them those glasses?" Harry looked around, but couldn't find them.

"Here you go Harry," Ginny called from behind them with her arms full of glasses. Awkwardly, he managed to scoop up them up, but as his arms brushed hers, a tickle ran down his spine and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He paused momentarily, shocked by this sensation. Ginny giggled and turned back to her onion chopping, earning him a curious glance from Remus who had observed the silent exchange. Harry shook his head and turned to go outside.

"Hello Harry," Ron greeted him. "Mum's in a complete uproar over this. She nearly bit my head off because I won't tell her want's going on." That did sound like Mrs. Weasley.

"How did the meeting with Professor Dumbledore go?" Hermione asked as she made her way around the table with silverware. Harry shrugged as he manuevered the glasses onto the table. "That good then?"

"He was unhappy at first, but might have come around I think, " he summarized. "He warned us to keep it a secret, which we already knew."

"Well, I'm happy for the two of you!" Hermione declared.

"What are we happy about?" The trio spun on their heels to find Tonks standing behind them. Once again, she didn't look right. Her hair was a very pale pink and her eyes seemed sadder than usual.

"You'll find out tonight," Ron said quickly. Tonks gave them a playful look, but shrugged it off. She'd find out soon enough.

"Well, we could certainly do with a little more happiness. I assume Molly's in the kitchen?" But as she said that, Mrs. Weasley came into the yard surrounded by floating pots and pans. She greeted Tonks as she levitated the dishes into place and everyone took their seats. Although the table was eager to hear the news, everyone waited until plates were full and everyone was settled in. This wasn't just a gathering to hear what Harry and Remus had to say, it was a time to forget about the impending war and be with friends for a family dinner. But, Mrs. Weasley, despite being the mother of seven children, was not a patient woman by nature and had to know why they were all gathered.

"So out with it! What is going on?" she cried. Harry and Remus exchanged looks across the table and finally Remus stood up.

"I have a very exciting announcement that Harry and I wish to share with you, our good friends." He paused as nervous emotion swelled like a balloon in his chest. How to say this? It was the greatest day in his life and yet, he couldn't find the words to do it justice. "Today, a letter came from the Ministry that we've been waiting for eagerly." He glanced at Arthur who was aware of the situation, but had promised to keep this a secret from his wife. He offered a nod of encouragement and Remus managed to continue. "A month ago, in keeping with Sirius's wishes, I filed to adopt Harry and as of today, we're officially a family."

The table erupted with excited congratulations. Mrs. Weasley was particularly ecstatic and rushed to embrace them both. Tears shone in her eyes.

"I'm so happy for you both!" she cried. "You were so alone, but you finally have someone there for you. A family, a proper family. But, know that I'm always here if you need anything, especially food. You both don't eat enough!" The table laughed, except for Tonks, which Harry noticed. She had also offered her sincere wishes for their happiness, but something about Mrs. Weasley's words saddened her. This confused Harry, but the general splendor of the night couldn't keep him dwelling on it for too long.

They ate, talked, and laughed long into the night, but at long last, it was time for them to go home. Harry had to smile at that term. He finally had a real home where he was welcomed and loved. The Dursleys had never wanted him, and Hogwarts was really just a school. Now he was going to proper home.

"Can you imagine George if the papers got a hold of this?" George called to Fred.

"I know Fred! 'Chosen One Adopted By Old Werewolf.' Who would know what to think about it?" Fred responded.

"A werewolf and a marauder at that. That's much too scandalous for the Ministry's poster boy!" George laughed. Harry blushed and escaped their teasing. The Ministry could never know. Harry stepped into the fire and flooed home, landing slightly more gracefully than normal in his own hearth.

Remus was already collapsed on the couch and Harry quickly joined him. They sat next to each other for a long time, pausing to finally breathe after this exciting day. it was their first chance to just sit and take in this new development. It was a wonderful feeling just sitting in silence with each other.

"So, what am I to call you? You're not my professor anymore, and Remus sounds too detached" Harry asked. It was a question that had weighed on his mind for awhile now and he still didn't have an answer. Remus sighed and put his right arm behind his head to scratch at his hair. He had an idea, but it was uncomfortable to say it aloud.

"Well Harry, I've thought about it a little. By now, you know far too much about your Dad and Sirius should be your only godfather. But, if you'd like, I'd love to be your uncle." Truth be told, Lily had referred to him as Uncle Remus when she was alive, but he didn't want to say this to influence his decision. Harry slouched back more and considered it.

"Uncle Remus... I could get used to that. I wouldn't mind a good uncle for once," Harry reasoned. Remus chuckled and pulled Harry to his side.

"Quite right. It's good to finally have you as a nephew," he confessed. Once again, silence fell. "So, as your uncle, I do have certain responsibilities regarding your torment that I must uphold," he started slyly. Harry pulled away and focused on the old marauder. "Ginny looked quite nice tonight and was particularly attentive to you." Harry blushed though he didn't really know why. However, two could play at this game.

"I think the same could be said of Tonks and you. You really should say something." Remus was now as red as he was.

"Touche. Anyways, it's late and we should get to bed. We're still running tomorrow," Remus ended that conversation before it really started. Harry laughed and went to bed, to his own room.

A/N: I know it's been forever and this isn't the most exciting chapter. This whole business just had to be finished off. The next chapter, which will hopefully show up faster will get the story going will be more fun. Please review!