Sirius had left the day before in a tearful goodbye. Remus had made sure to give him a bag with an undetectable extension charm on it, with all the things he was likely to need while away, including many of Remus' only things – blankets, jumpers, teacups, teabags etc. He had also made sure that Sirius had one half of the two-way mirror that Remus had kept from when Sirius first went to Azkaban.

Thursday came around and with it came the Werewolf registry office officials. Remus was particularly nervous – if he failed the inspection, he would be required to move to a werewolf reserve – something he had managed to avoid his whole life. The short witch from the ministry informed him when she arrived that she had spoken to his previous employer for a character reference and had received a letter of support from the headmaster of Hogwarts, as well as a copy of thirteen parent and one student letters in support of him and one petition with over 300 signatures calling for him to stay at Hogwarts. "You've now got two Wizengamot members vouching for you, so today is more of a formality."

Remus was shocked – in the back of his mind, he knew Dumbledore would help him, but who on earth was the second Wizengamot member?

The rest of the visit passed without concern and his cellar was deemed to be fit for a werewolf to transform in. Remus breathed a sigh of relief as the Ministry officials left his house. He was now on the werewolf registry, but he was able to be left alone again.

Now he had to focus his attention on Harry again. He had organised to see Harry after the Quidditch World Cup at the Weasley house. He sent an owl to Harry:

Dear Harry,

I hope you enjoy the upcoming Quidditch matches. I am sure that you will. I look forward to hearing all about it. Does next Wednesday at 1pm sound good? I can collect you from the Weasley house if you ask Mr and Mrs Weasley to give me the details.

Best,

Remus Lupin

Remus received a letter back from Mrs Weasley who gave him the details to apparate nearby for a 1pm pickup on Wednesday.

By the time Wednesday had come around, Remus was a little nervous. He had spoken with Sirius the night before. He wouldn't tell him where he was hiding for safety and in case aurors came with more veritaserum to interrogate Remus, but he was safe and hiding for the time be.

Remus apparated to the apparition spot which Mrs Weasley had suggested in the letter and soon saw his ex-students flying around on brooms playing a mini game of quidditch between the trees in a spare field. He relaxed, knowing he'd come to the right place. He looked quickly and couldn't see Harry there, but he was sure he saw Harry's firebolt being flown by Ginny. Remus headed down to the house and knocked at the door. A short dumpy woman with flaming red hair answered the door "Ah, you must be Professor Lupin. Harry's just coming now," she said kindly. She gestured for Remus to come in the house and asked if he would like to sit at the kitchen table and drink a cup of tea while he was waiting. Remus refused the tea but sat down. "Harry" she shouted, "Professor Lupin is here for you."

"Coming" he heard a voice shout back.

"The boys have just been out playing quidditch. I told Harry he'd need to wash up to get the mud off him. Honestly, they're supposed to be flying. How they get so muddy I'll never know."

Remus smiled at her, as he heard what sounded like a herd of elephants running along wooden floorboards. Suddenly he saw Harry and Ron running down the stairs, so he stood up. Harry continued to run and collided with Remus, giving him a bone crushing hug, which caused him to take a few steps back to catch his balance. "Good to see you, Harry" he said returning the hug. Harry released him, he took a step back then placed a hand on Harry's head "Hmm, looks like you could do with a haircut," he looked at Ron, "both of you."

"I've been telling them that for the last few weeks, but will they listen to me? They seem to think it's cool," replied Mrs Weasley.

Remus looked at Harry, who just gave a guilty smile. He turned back to Mrs Weasley and asked, "What time would you like Harry back for?"

"Dinner time. Will you be joining us for dinner, Professor Lupin?" she asked him.

"No, no, I couldn't" he replied politely.

"You sure? It's my pleasure. There'll be plenty of food."

Harry looked at Remus with sad eyes, he looked away before adding in "I'm sure, but thank you, it's very kind of you to think of me. Come on, Harry, let's go."

"Hang on, I have something for you, Professor." Harry disappeared again, before returning with a small package in his hand. "This is for you." Remus took the parcel and thanked Harry, before they walked to the apparition point with Ron as well. Ron left to go and play quidditch with his siblings once Harry and Remus had apparated to Remus' house.

They arrived at Remus' house. Remus looked over at the boy and handed him some chocolate – "eat, you look like apparition doesn't agree with you." Harry took the few squares of chocolate then follows Remus down the garden path to the small cottage. "You live here?" he asked, looking around.

"Yes, it's not much, but there's only me."

"I think it's fantastic."

They got inside and sat down at the kitchen table. Remus made them both a cup of tea and placed a plate of biscuits he'd bought at the muggle bakery in town on the table.

"So, Harry, where shall we start?"

"Do you know how Sirius is?" started Harry.

"Yes, I keep in regular contact with him. Just like you do. Although I believe my way is more instant and reliable. He's well and he's safe. I don't know where he is. I think it's best if only he knows that in case the Ministry come asking."

Harry just nodded in response. "Harry, at the end of last year, I told you that I had a lot of explaining to do at some point. So, I guess now is your time. Ask me anything you want, and I'll answer it, the best I can, within what a fourteen-year-old should know." He added, "And I hope that I can ask you a few things as well."

"Where is Pettigrew?" Harry started.

"I don't know. I have started looking for him though. Although, trying to find a rat is proving difficult."

"Why did you quit your job?"

"Harry, I've already told you the answer to that. Parents don't want their children taught by a XXXXX beast. The Daily Prophet has made that very clear."

"But over 350 students and staff at Hogwarts signed my petition to keep you as the Defence teacher… I even wrote a letter to the school board asking them to keep you."

"I know," replied Remus, "Professor Dumbledore has told me all of this. He even sent me the letter you wrote. I was touched by it. Truly. There were also other parents who asked Hogwarts to retain my position. But there were also parents who fought against my appointment when the news broke. The Ministry are drafting laws to ensure that werewolves cannot work around children. Even if I took the job, the law would push me out within weeks."

"That's not fair" exclaimed Harry, "It's one night per month, and you take a potion to keep us safe."

"You sound like James. But Harry, that night I forgot my potion, I could have killed or turned another student. I would never forgive myself for that. I couldn't continue with the job."

"Dean cried when you left," blurted out Harry to see Remus' reaction.

Remus looked at Harry, trying to read him and why he had said that. He decided to change topic. "Now I can ask you a question," Remus continued, "Is your long hair because of Sirius?"

Harry smiled, "Sorta. I guess. It's kinda cool long, Professor."

"First, I am no longer your Professor, please call me Remus. Secondly, I can inform you that Sirius has had a haircut. It's short…even by Sirius' standards."

"What? How do you know this?" asked Harry bewildered.

"He came to stay with me here for a few days before heading off again. I gave him a haircut that would take a while to get back to his preferred length. He wasn't overly happy, but I think it looked good."

"Really, he stayed here?" asked Harry, looking around the small cottage, half expecting Sirius to be sat on a nearby couch, "When?"

"A while back. After I finished at Hogwarts."

"If you find Pettigrew, can I still stay with Sirius?"

Remus sighed, not sure how he should explain this to Harry. "Sirius is your godfather. Once his name is cleared, I know he will try to get you to live with him. But, and this is a big but, we don't know if we will ever catch Pettigrew. We have no idea where he is…"

"He's at the house…in my dream," interrupted Harry.

"Yes, I saw that letter. But we don't know where the house is, Harry. I've been scouring muggle newspapers trying to get clues, but nothing. If you can think of any more clues as to where the house might be, do let me know and I'll look into it."

Harry just looked at him, "So, Sirius was here on my birthday?"

Remus nodded. "We had wanted to see you earlier so that Sirius could see you again too. But we were warned not to go to your aunt and uncle's house. See, your aunt and uncle know exactly who Sirius and I are – we've met before. So, it was suggested that we wait until you moved to your friend's house."

"But Sirius is gone now," said Harry, with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Yes, the Ministry is still searching for him. He can't stay in one place for too long. It's not safe. If they catch him, he'll get the kiss." Remus reached over to touch Harry's hand. "I know it's not what anyone wants, but life is never going to be fair Harry."

They sat in silence for a while before Remus started to talk again. "Harry, your parents asked Sirius to be your godfather, because they knew that if anything happened to them, I would always follow him to look after you. At the time you were born, Sirius and I were living together. They, and we, knew it was a two-for-one deal. Plus, the Ministry would never allow a werewolf to be the guardian of a child. Sirius and I talked at length while he was here. He has made a few suggestions. The first, is that if you agree, he has asked me to tutor you once a week." Remus waited for Harry to take it in. Harry just kept looking at him, a little confused. "Many pureblood families continue to get tutoring for their children in addition to what they learn at Hogwarts. And it means that once a week I can teach you defence."

"So, you'll still be my teacher?" asked Harry with his face lighting up.

"You will still have a proper Defence teacher, but I will help a little. I can even help with your potions homework." He quickly added "although I'm terrible at potions."

A huge smile came across Harry's face. "I'll take it as you're keen for that to happen," stated Remus, "I'll contact Professor McGonagall to tell her to expect me then. Secondly, Sirius has asked the school to keep me in contact with your schooling, instead of him. Every owl that gets sent home will also have a copy come to me. I already received your booklist."

"Ok" said Harry, wearily.

"I'll receive every owl that gets sent home about your detentions, missing homework and any health issues. Previously, owls have been sparsely sent to your aunt and uncle – only for big things like near suspensions, and very serious medical episodes. Please don't be like your father. He used to get daily owls sent to his parents." Remus gave a small chuckle. Harry just looked at him. "But Sirius and I agree this will be a good thing. I can take you out of school if you need to see a healer. If you fall off your broomstick playing quidditch, they'll Floo me so I can sit with you in the hospital wing."

"I'd like that" Harry responded.

"Talking about that, how have you been? You never responded about those potions. Have you got enough?"

"Yes, Mrs Weasley went to the apothecary and got more for me when she got my books," replied Harry.

"Good. And how have you been feeling?"

"A bit lousy. The Dursleys just make me feel lousy in general. And I can't stop thinking about that night. If Pettigrew hadn't got away…."

"Harry, what ifs are no way to live your life. Trust me on this one," replied Remus, "My research has told me that you should feel better at Hogwarts though now that the dementors have been sent back to Azkaban."

"Dunno…"

"Harry, if you have any issues this year at school please owl me or Sirius. We'll make sure we help you." Remus implored him.

"Yeah, I know" muttered Harry.

"Anyway, it is starting to get late. Mrs Weasley will be wondering where you are. Now before you go, Sirius has something he wants you to have." Remus headed off to another room, leaving Harry to munch on some of the biscuits on the table. He came back with a small brown package and a book. "For the boring bit, I want to lend you this book. I want you to read the first two chapters before my first lesson with you at Hogwarts."

Harry's face fell. "You mean I have homework?" He asked with a mouthful of biscuit.

"Yes" he replied sternly, ignoring Harry talking with his mouth full.

Harry took the book and looked at it. It looked old and battered, thought Harry. Then Remus handed him the brown package "Harry, this was something that Sirius used to wear many years ago. I think it will be a bit big for you, but he wanted you to have it. Open it."

Harry looked at it, then excitedly started to tear at the paper. Inside he saw an old scarlet and yellow jumper with the Gryffindor lion on the front right breast pocket. Harry's face broke into a huge grin. He instantly put the jumper over his head. It was several sizes too big for him, but he loved it, nonetheless. Remus looked at him, with his huge smile and smiled back at him. He grabbed Harry's arms and started to roll up the sleeves so it would fit slightly better, adding "Maybe Mrs Weasley knows how to make it a bit smaller."

"It's ok. I wear Dudley's oversized clothes all the time. At least this is cool. I didn't know Sirius played quidditch!"

"Yes, he was the beater. That's how he knew to get you the Firebolt. Anyway, Sirius found the jumper in a box of his things that I'd kept from our old house, before he went to Azkaban, and he thought you might like it. Although I did tell him it'd bury you."

"I love it! Thank you! Thank you!" he hugged Remus happily.

"Thank Sirius. You can send a letter with Hedwig. Do you know someone with a camera?"

"Yes" said Harry with a big smile, "Professor, you didn't open the present I gave you, although it's nothing compared to this."

Remus looked at him, "I don't need to open that. I already know its chocolate. Thank you, Harry. You know me very well."

"How did you know its chocolate?" said Harry amazed.

Remus didn't want to explain to Harry about his wolf like sense of smell, so he lied and said he'd guessed from the package shape.

"Oh, ok," Harry replied.

"Come on, I'd better get you back to the Weasleys. Mrs Weasley looks like she'd be a formidable woman to deal with if I got you back late."

They walked outside and apparated to the Burrow's apparition point, then Remus walked Harry to the back door, despite Harry's protests.

Harry went to just open the door and walk in, but Remus stopped him, then knocked, waiting for Mrs Weasley to invite Harry in.

"Harry, you're back already. Just in time for dinner. Professor Lupin are you sure you won't join us for dinner?" said Mrs Weasley. Suddenly Fred, George, Ron and Ginny were at the door too, imploring Remus to come in and eat. "There's plenty of food, you really are welcome, Professor" stated Harry, "Mrs Weasley always makes plenty of food."

"No, no, I must be going," insisted Remus, "Mrs Weasley, I was wondering if you know a good shrinking charm to make this jumper fit Harry, but allows it to grow with him?"

"Leave it with me" she stated.

Harry and all the Weasley children plus Hermione were now at the door insisting on hugging Remus before he was allowed to leave, with each one protesting that he really ought to stay for dinner.

Remus finally got free of the children then walked back to the apparition point to go back to his cottage. He was keen to return as he knew Sirius would be waiting for him to chat on the two-way mirror.

Harry arrived at dinner and immediately sat down, eating multiple helpings of Mrs Weasley's excellent shepherd's pie followed by some of his favourite – treacle tart. "What's with the giant jumper, Harry?" asked Ron after a while.

"Professor Lupin gave it to me, it was Si – my father's, and he thought I'd like it."

"It's a bit big for you though, isn't it?"

"Yeah but look at it. A Gryffindor Quidditch jumper from '79. No one else will have this."

Mrs Weasley looked over and said, "If you let me have a look at it later, I might be able to shrink it down to a better size for you."

"Thank you" Harry replied, "Oh, Mrs Weasley, do you have a camera? I wanted to take a photo of me in the jumper once it's the right size. To send to, er, Professor Lupin"

"Yes, we can take a photo for you" she replied kindly.

Meanwhile, at Remus' cottage, he was busy chatting with Sirius on the two-way mirror. Remus had no idea where Sirius was, but it was still light, and Sirius was sweating with the heat. Remus told Sirius all about the conversations he'd had with Harry. How Harry wanted to live with his godfather and how Harry and the Weasley boys had all grown their hair long to be as cool as Sirius.

Back at the Burrow, Mrs Weasley finally prized the Gryffindor jumper off Harry and shrunk it with a special, but complicated, household charm which would allow her to unshrink it later when Harry had grown into it. Harry then put the jumper back on and begged Ron to take a photo of him. Ron complied and the resulting photo was one with a long-haired Harry beaming in Sirius' old quidditch jumper. Harry quickly found Hedwig and sent his godfather a letter with the photo attached.

Dear Sirius,

I saw Professor Lupin today for a cup of tea and some biscuits at his cottage. He said you'd been there. I was disappointed that you couldn't stay long enough to see me there too, but I understand you needed to go. Professor Lupin gave me your old quidditch jumper. I think its fantastic! Mrs Weasley shrunk it for me, so it fits better. I'm going to wear it to school whenever I can. I've attached a photo of me wearing it. I wonder if they'll let me wear it to play my quidditch games this year.

Professor Lupin also said he'd come and tutor me this year. I'm so happy to have him back as my teacher, but he already gave me homework so now I'm less excited.

I hope to see you soon.

Love

Harry

Two days later, Sirius saw Hedwig sat by him when he woke up in the morning. He took the letter off her and a photo fell out of the letter. Sirius picked it up and saw Harry, beaming, wearing his old quidditch jumper, with long messy hair, and Sirius' heart soared with pride.