A/N: Posting a little ahead of schedule today as I've got a mountain of midterms to grade.
Also, happy birthday to our favorite werewolf, Remus Lupin!
Have a SUPER MAR10 while you're at it :)
Remus woke in a fog. What had begun as a well-meaning idea to explain to Harry why he was placed with the Dursleys had turned into a nightmare involving Harry's forced removal from the Lupins. Harry had yet to leave – the arrangements needed to be settled with Marge Dursley – but Remus was dreading the separation. Harry was vaguely aware of the upcoming departure, and Remus intended to keep it that way as long as he was able.
"Remus?" Lyall's gruff voice called from the other side of the door. "Dumbledore's here."
"I'll be a minute."
Lyall shuffled away, and Remus dressed slowly. Harry would be spending the day with Lyall at the London Aquarium while Remus and Dumbledore settled things with Marge Dursley. Remus had hoped to give Harry one last positive experience before returning him to a place he knew the boy would be unhappy and unloved.
"Hello, Remus," Dumbledore greeted calmly. "How are you?"
"Fine. Let's get this over with."
Dumbledore grimaced but murmured a few words into Lyall's ear before rising from the kitchen chair and joining Remus outside to Apparate to Bedfordshire, where Marge and Dudley Dursley lived.
"This is a huge mistake, Albus," Remus said bitterly. "Harry doesn't belong there."
"It is for his protection. He will be safest with his cousin."
Remus held back his own retorts and instead turned on his heel. A few moments later, he and Dumbledore were standing in front of the sign reading "Margie's Majesties."
The cottage was the same as ever, albeit under a thin layer of frost from the cooler November weather. The gravel crunched under their shoes as they approached the front door. Remus saw the wooden doghouse opposite the barn and growled; he had half a mind to set fire to it to prevent Marge Dursley from ever keeping Harry Potter in such deplorable conditions.
Dumbledore and Remus went up the front steps and knocked on the door. A few moments went by before a large, round-faced, blond boy Remus now knew was Dudley Dursley opened the door.
"You two here for the bitches?" Dudley asked.
"Excuse me?" Remus said, affronted.
"The bitches – Lady and Princess? From the advert?" Dudley repeated. "100 pounds each."
"We're here to see your aunt, Marge," Dumbledore said. "She should be expecting us."
"OI! MARGE! TWO BLOKES FOR YOU!" Dudley bellowed behind him. Remus winced as a heavy-set woman came wheezing from behind Dudley.
"You two from the school?"
"I am Professor Albus Dumbledore. I wrote to you, and this is my friend, Remus Lupin," Dumbledore introduced. "Is this still a good time?"
Marge grunted a reply, and Dudley moved out of the way to allow Remus and Dumbledore entry. The cottage itself was clean and neat, though covered in frilly, bulldog-themed decorations. It wasn't cozy in the way the Lupins' home was, but it would suffice as adequate living space for Harry, thought Remus.
Once tea was served, Marge, Dudley, Dumbledore, and Remus sat together on hideous, lumpy armchairs across from one another.
"What's this about, then? A special school for my nephew, Dudders?" Marge said, placing a fat, wet kiss on Dudley's head. The boy pouted but was rewarded with a bar of chocolate.
"Actually, our meeting is regarding Harry Potter, your nephew's cousin," Dumbledore said lightly. Marge did a double-take and gaped at him.
"What about that runt? I gave him up ages ago."
Remus bit his knuckles to keep from strangling the woman for what she had done to Harry. Dumbledore gave him a knowing look and cleared his throat.
"Did your late sister-in-law, Petunia, or your brother, Vernon, tell you anything regarding Harry's parents or life?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
"Drunken idiots, the both of them," Marge said gruffly. "Killed in a drunken car crash and left the runt behind for my brother and his wife to take in. Bad, bad blood. The runt was a nightmare for my good brother and his wife."
"Always causing trouble, the ungrateful brat. If it had been me, I'd have turned him out first moment I had, which is what I did when he came to my doorstep." Marge looked particularly proud of herself for turning Harry out onto children's services.
"Nothing out of the ordinary, besides unusual behavior from Harry himself?" Dumbledore pressed.
Marge shook her head. "Last time I saw the runt before I was saddled with him, he broke a window. Bloody menace from the time he was dropped off on that doorstep."
"I see." Dumbledore fiddled with the end of his beard and looked up at Marge. "I'm afraid what I have to tell you will come as quite a shock. Your sister-in-law's sister, Lily, was a witch."
"Obviously," Marge said loudly. "Wicked, evil to drink themselves to—"
"—no. She was a witch and her husband, James Potter, was a wizard. Harry Potter is a wizard. I am a wizard, as is my friend, Remus."
"You're barking mad!" Marge shouted. "Out with this nonsense! Professor, my arse!"
Dumbledore sighed and flicked his wand at a teacup, transfiguring it to and from a mouse. Both Marge and Dudley saw the display of magic and grew wide-eyed.
"Witchcraft! The devil's craft! Satanists!" Marge screeched. "Out!"
Remus almost laughed at the woman's reaction. Of all the things he'd been called, he had yet to be called a Satanist.
"Please, Marge," Dumbledore pled. "This is important. We are not a danger to you. I assure you."
"OUT! OUT OF MY HOUSE!" Marge stood abruptly, knocking over the tea set and letting it shatter to the floor. Dudley was gobsmacked and staring at the scene in abject horror. As Marge left the room, Remus quietly murmured "Reparo" on the tea set, repairing it instantly.
Dudley's mouth opened and closed at the sight of the shards of porcelain coming together neatly. Marge returned with a long metal object and pointed it at Dumbledore.
"OUT, OR I'LL SHOOT!" Marge bellowed.
Dumbledore flicked his wand at the metal object and it vanished. Marge was now empty-handed and staring, flabbergasted at the two men in her living room.
"Obliviate." Dumbledore pointed his wand at Dudley first, and his eyes glazed over slightly as his memory was modified.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING—" Marge yelped.
"Obliviate." The Memory Charm was now cast on Marge, who held a similar, glazed expression for a moment before coming to.
"I apologize," Marge said, looking around her body in confusion. "I must have forgotten my train of thought. Tea, gentlemen?"
"That would be lovely, thank you," Dumbledore said brightly. "I believe we were speaking of Harry Potter's parents?"
"Drunken bastards, both of them," Marge said gruffly, as she poured tea. "Their runt was a menace!"
"I understand. As I mentioned earlier, I'm the Headmaster of a special school for children like Harry."
"Reform school?"
"Not quite, but we do have a unique curriculum for children like Harry. It is a boarding school and he will stay for all holidays but the summer. Other than the instruction he will receive, one of my beliefs for my pupils is having them with their families for stability."
"He's not my family," Marge barked. "Dudders is my nephew. That imp has nothing to do with me."
"Yes, but he is your nephew's cousin. Don't you think it would benefit Harry to stay in touch with his only living relative?" Dumbledore asked. He didn't give Marge a chance to reply before he continued.
"I wonder, Marge, would there be any chance you'd be willing to take Harry in again, if only for the summer holidays? I believe he would benefit from having his only remaining family with him."
"Dudders? You don't want anything to do with that brat, do you?" Marge demanded.
Dudley's eyebrows were knit together as he thought through the proposal.
"You don't miss your cousin, Harry?" Dumbledore asked gently.
"No," Dudley said flatly.
"Besides," Marge interjected. "I'm not taking the brat in and paying for this 'special school.' None of my hard-earned money is going to that Potter."
"All of his expenses will be incurred by the school," Dumbledore supplied. "There will be no need for you to pay for any of his educational expenses."
"His clothes? Food?" Marge retorted. "If he'll live under this roof, he'll be working for his keep. I'm not about to welcome a lazy, good-for-nothing freeloader."
Remus had bitten down on his knuckles hard enough by this point to draw blood. He was aghast at the direction the conversation was now taking. If Dumbledore's proposal would be accepted, Remus was unlikely to see Harry again, unless he visited Hogwarts himself.
"Is it true you had him sleep in a doghouse?" Remus asked quietly, keeping his fury as controlled as he was able.
Marge narrowed her beady eyes at him. "Who told you? The imp? As if you can believe a word out of his mouth."
"But, Aunt Marge—" Dudley began, as she glared at him.
"What's it matter to you? If you want me to take the runt in so badly, he'll work for his keep. If he works hard enough, he'll have a place to sleep," Marge said coldly. "He's not my responsibility. Dudders doesn't want him, either."
"Dudley? You wouldn't want to see your cousin Harry again?" Dumbledore asked.
Dudley looked back at Marge, who was shaking her head at him.
"No, I don't."
Dumbledore exhaled forcefully. "There is no convincing you?"
"Not my family, not my problem," Marge said curtly. "Is that all you came here for? Convince me to take the runt back?"
"Yes, although I see it isn't something you're interested in." Dumbledore stood, and gestured for Remus to do the same.
"If you change your mind, please reach out to me," Dumbledore offered. "Otherwise, I bid you a good day."
Remus followed Dumbledore out of Marge Dursley's cottage in silence, until they reached the Apparition point. He didn't bother looking back.
….
In the days that followed the visit to Marge Dursley, Remus felt hopeful that Harry's guardianship with the Lupins was once more on track.
Dumbledore had finally relented on the idea of leaving Harry with the Dursleys, as convincing Marge to take Harry in had been, in his words, a 'fiasco.' Marge had reacted poorly to magic and Remus was certain Dumbledore had used Legilimency to determine that Marge's plans for Harry were more sinister than she had admitted to.
He was surprised, therefore, when Dumbledore appeared at the Lupins' home once more.
"Albus! We weren't expecting you," Lyall said. Remus heard his father's voice from the front door, and he immediately stood to find the Headmaster. He was still irritated with Dumbledore for entertaining the thought of returning Harry to the Dursleys and was now wary of whatever scheme he had concocted in coming to the Lupins' home once again.
"Remus, it's good to see you again," Dumbledore said kindly. "I understand you are frustrated with me, but you must understand I believed it was in Harry's best interest to return him to his family."
"That woman is not his family," Remus growled.
"No, but Dudley, his cousin, is. Never mind that, however. We have much to discuss. Is Harry home?"
Lyall nodded and went to fetch Harry from his room. Remus, meanwhile, kept a wary gaze on Dumbledore as he took a seat in the living room.
"Harry, how are you?" Dumbledore said warmly, as soon as he saw Harry enter the living room, clutching a book in his hands.
"'M fine." Harry took a seat next to Lyall, which pleased Remus. Though he was still working on his relationship with Harry, it was evident the boy had taken a liking to Lyall. Harry had even begun calling Lyall "Grandad" on occasion. Lyall, too, had been delighted with the change and taken on his new title with aplomb.
"Now that we're gathered, I should like to explain to you all why I attempted to reunite Harry with his cousin," Dumbledore said evenly. "As you know by now, Harry, your mother died to save you. This created one of the most powerful blood protection charms known in our world. As long as you were with your living relatives who shared her blood, you were safest. The charm was sealed with your late aunt, Petunia. I attempted to seal the charm again with your cousin, but it was apparent that it was a fool's errand. For that, Harry, I am very sorry."
Harry's expression had not changed; he was still suspicious of authority figures, and Dumbledore had not endeared himself to the boy in the recent attempt to have him removed from the Lupins' care.
"Harry, is this where you'd like to stay? With Remus and Lyall?" Dumbledore asked gently.
Harry looked to Remus and then Lyall, apparently unsure of how to reply.
"Be honest, Harry," Remus encouraged. "You will always be welcome here, but if you would like other living arrangements, we can help you." Though it pained Remus to think of Harry choosing others, he knew that plenty of other, wealthier wizarding families would be happy to raise Harry instead.
"I like it here," Harry said, after a moment of hesitation. "I want to stay."
"Would it be helpful if my dad and I left for a minute, Harry? I don't want you to feel pressured to say that because we're here," Remus offered. Harry shook his head aggressively.
"No, please stay. I don't want you to leave." He inched closer to Lyall, who wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulders comfortingly.
"Very good. If so, I'll do everything I can to ensure you can stay with the Lupins, Harry," Dumbledore said, with a smile. Harry's face lit up, and Remus felt the clenching in his heart at how genuinely happy the boy looked upon hearing the news.
"I shall arrange everything with Remus," Dumbledore said. "I must add that I cannot guarantee this will be a smooth or easy process for any of you, but I will do my best."
Harry deflated slightly, but Lyall murmured something into his ear, leading him to nod in return.
"Harry and I are going to go for a walk," Lyall said. "We'll be back soon."
Remus nodded gratefully at his father. A few minutes later, Remus and Dumbledore were alone in the living room.
"How bad is this going to be?" Remus asked. "What are we dealing with?"
Dumbledore produced several sheets of parchment and adjusted his half-moon spectacles on the bridge of his nose.
"What's the furthest you're willing to go to protect Harry Potter, Remus?"
"I'd die for him if that's what it took. He deserves a long, happy life."
"I will not need you to sacrifice yourself, but I will need you to make a visit with me."
"Where are we going now?" Remus asked irritably.
"Azkaban," Dumbledore said simply. "We are going to visit Sirius Black."
There was a slight ringing in Remus' ears as he processed what Dumbledore had just said. They were going to visit…Sirius? The spy, who had handed Lily and James over to Voldemort? The traitor, who had led to the collapse of everything Remus held dear in a span of a few days? Was Dumbledore out of his mind?
"May I ask why we're doing such a thing?" Remus managed to say, after the ringing in his ears quieted down.
"Sirius is still Harry's godfather. If you and your father are to be Harry's guardians, we will need all the documentation we can gather to defend you both. Without Petunia Dursley, I must turn to the next legal guardian."
"Sirius isn't going to want anything for Harry! He's a traitor!" Remus yelled. "He's the worst—"
"—Remus, I'm well aware of what Sirius did to you, Harry, and the Potters. However, if we can convince him to agree to the change in guardians, it will be easier for all involved."
"He's not going to give a shit about Harry."
"We won't know until we try. He may be amenable to our request, and we must try. You said, only minutes ago, that you would die to protect Harry. Don't tell me now that you are unwilling to visit Azkaban for him."
Remus narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore, feeling used. He had agreed to do whatever it took, for Harry.
"Fine. I'll go with you on this bloody adventure, but I don't expect anything but a madman who doesn't care if Harry lives or dies," Remus growled.
"I'll arrange it with Alastor. He's the only one I trust with the matter." Dumbledore rustled through his parchments until he found the next one.
"The documents you obtained for the Muggle system – are they properly acquired?"
"I've no clue. I went to Knockturn Alley to get them, as I was in a rush to get Harry out of that system."
"They are most likely good forgeries," Dumbledore stated. "I will arrange for new ones that are authentic. I propose we continue with the Muggle adoption, to provide you and your father with more standing before the Wizengamot, but they will leave no stone unturned. If you do not have the proper documentation for the Muggles, they will consider it an invalid adoption."
Remus nodded curtly. He hadn't considered the Wizengamot in his harebrained attempt to rescue Harry. He now realized he would be defending his decision – a registered werewolf attempting to adopt the most famous boy in wizarding Britain – in front of the Wizengamot.
"You'll understand now why I will need Sirius Black's approval, if I can obtain it," Dumbledore said firmly. "The more evidence we have to support you, the better."
Another few sheets of parchment were glanced at until Dumbledore furrowed his brow and reached into his robe pocket. An antique brass key was now in his hand, and he offered it to Remus.
"The Potters' vault is number 687. I assume you've been using your own funds for his things?"
"Yes. I've been working at a Muggle bookshop since May. It isn't much, but it's enough for the three of us to live on."
Dumbledore handed Remus a small pouch full of gold, to Remus' astonishment. "I entrust the vault to you for now. As you are not his legal guardian, you cannot do anything with it. I was able to make a withdrawal on Harry's behalf. It is sufficient to purchase his school supplies for next term."
Remus looked into the pouch to find about fifty Galleons within. He sighed in relief; he had been worried for months as to how they would pay for all of Harry's things. He had ultimately determined that Harry would be starting the term with secondhand books and robes and hoped he wouldn't mind. With the new gold, Harry would be able to afford all new things. Remus stowed the gold in his shabby robe pocket, in order to keep it safe until Harry needed it in August.
"Should Harry wish to make a withdrawal for his own purposes before the adoption or guardianship is settled, he will need to be accompanied to Gringotts. I suggest your father accompany him. If he is unwilling, I will send Hagrid in his place," Dumbledore offered, as Remus nodded in agreement.
"Lastly, once the Muggle adoption is officialized, I may consider putting this home under the Fidelius Charm," Dumbledore said seriously, to Remus' shock. "The blood protection charm is crucial for Harry's safety."
"But…Voldemort is gone? Why would he need protection?" Remus asked slowly.
Dumbledore's expression was now grim and set. "I do not believe Voldemort is gone for good, Remus. One day, he will return, and Harry will be in terrible danger."
"You really believe this?" Remus asked, gobsmacked.
"I do. I will look into other measures for Harry's safety, but if all else fails, expect to live under the Fidelius Charm so long as you are Harry's guardian."
Remus gulped hard but agreed on one condition.
"I will be the Secret Keeper," Remus said. "If we must have the Fidelius Charm, that is."
"I understand." Dumbledore stood and gathered the remainder of his parchments into a large pocket.
"Expect my owl, Remus. If all goes as planned, we will be visiting Azkaban in a week or so."
With another curt nod, Remus agreed and made his own plans to procure as much chocolate as he was able for the trip home from Azkaban.
….
It was now early December, and the visit to Azkaban was finally scheduled. Remus had been dreading the visit. He had little desire to see his former best friend, who had betrayed the Potters, killed Peter, and left Remus alone for years. The only thought that kept him going was the knowledge that Sirius was their best option to obtain legal guardianship of Harry in the wizarding world. Remus held onto the slightest hope that Sirius had some shred of decency in his heart for Harry.
"Remus? Where are you going?" asked Harry, upon seeing Remus put on his traveling cloak.
"Azkaban, the wizard prison," Remus replied briskly. "I'll be back later. Please don't eat all the chocolate."
"Is this about my godfather?"
"It is. We're trying to get his help."
"I thought he hated me and my parents."
"I hope that turns out to be wrong, Harry."
Harry pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Do you have to go?"
"I suppose not, but I'm doing everything I can to help you, okay?"
"What if he says no?"
Remus bit his lip. He had been wondering the same thing for weeks.
"We'll figure something out. We've made it this far, haven't we?"
Harry offered Remus a weak smile, and Remus opened his arms for a hug. The boy had come a long way since June, and was willing to hug Remus. Though Harry himself almost never initiated physical affection, he had come to accept limited amounts of it from Remus and Lyall.
Harry hugged Remus briefly, and let go after a moment.
"Will you be okay?"
"I'll be just fine, Harry. What are you and my dad doing today?"
"Grandad said we can get a Christmas tree." Harry smiled softly, which warmed Remus' heart. Harry had apparently been excluded from all holidays, and he had been amazed upon learning that he would be receiving Christmas presents.
"I look forward to seeing it decorated," Remus smiled. "I'll see you soon, Harry. I love you."
Harry nodded, and Remus went out of the house to leave the Anti-Apparition wards he'd set up. Harry had yet to tell Remus or Lyall he loved either of them, but Remus didn't mind. They were taking things at Harry's pace, and that's all that mattered for now.
With a turn of his heel, Remus Apparated to a rocky seashore in Northumberland. Dumbledore was waiting for him, as loud, freezing waves came crashing against the rocks.
"I forgot to ask you something, Remus," Dumbledore said loudly. He flicked his wand and the sea around them calmed somewhat, allowing him to speak at a normal volume.
"Yes?" Remus replied.
"Are you opposed to Alastor bringing along his current protégé?"
"No? As long as he can be trusted, I don't mind."
"She can be trusted," Dumbledore corrected. "Amusingly, she is related to Sirius. Perhaps this will help us."
Remus shrugged, not knowing why an Auror trainee would help them, but he trusted Alastor's judgment in his trainees.
A few minutes passed until Remus heard the tell-tale crack of Apparition rent the ocean air. To his left, Alastor Moody came clunking across the rocky shore alongside the most peculiar woman Remus had ever seen. She had spiky, vibrant pink hair. From where he stood, he could see her dark grey eyes shining with glee, as her heart-shaped face split into a grin. She was hopping from one foot to the other and stumbled thrice before she arrived with Moody to greet Albus and Remus.
"Albus," Moody said gruffly. "Remus."
"Hello, Alastor," Remus said politely. "This is…?"
"Tonks," the woman said, offering her hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Lupin."
"Call me Remus, please." He shook her hand and she smiled, before turning back to Moody.
"Where's the guardian?" Tonks asked.
"You just met him," Moody replied irritably. Tonks looked back at Remus and blushed.
"I'm sorry," she said sheepishly. "I wasn't expecting—"
"A werewolf?" Remus offered, and her jaw dropped.
"You didn't say he was a werewolf!" Tonks complained to Moody. "Now I feel awful!"
Remus was staring at her incredulously, and she turned back to face him.
"I'm sorry. Let's do that again. I'm Tonks, and you're Remus. I'm an Auror trainee, and you're Harry Potter's prospective guardian. I was a Hufflepuff, and you're a werewolf. I make a fool of myself easily but I promise I mean well. Are we good?"
Dumbledore was now chuckling, while Moody had summoned a small boat to take the four of them to the island that housed Azkaban.
Remus was still gaping at Tonks, having never met someone so eccentric, cheerful, and blunt at once.
"We haven't all day!" Moody called. Tonks turned around and Dumbledore followed her to the boat. Remus went last and found himself sitting next to Tonks in the small boat as she chattered about her training, after being encouraged by Dumbledore.
Remus followed everyone out of the boat once they reached Azkaban, and he felt the cold dead settle in his bones instantly. He watched in fascination as Tonks' pink hair changed to a dull, mousy brown. Her face became paler, and her eyes dimmer, with dark circles underneath them.
By now, Dumbledore had conjured his phoenix Patronus, Tonks had a jack rabbit Patronus, Moody had an amorphous blob, and Remus reluctantly cast his Patronus to join theirs. A large wolf Patronus now joined the jack rabbit and phoenix.
The four visitors went through various levels of security before finally reaching the top of the tower, where the most vicious criminals were kept. The chill of the Dementors was kept barely at bay by the four Patronuses leading them onwards.
At long last, they reached their destination. For the first time in almost a decade, Remus laid his eyes on Sirius Black.
He was gaunt, with long, unkempt hair. He hadn't shaven in ages, as his beard was matted and scraggly. His grey eyes were still bright, but against his pale, waxy skin, they looked too bright.
"Moony?" Sirius croaked. "Is that you?"
"Moony?" Tonks asked, looking back at Remus in confusion. "Is that because of the – oh, duh, okay."
Sirius now turned to Tonks, whose face had gone from amused, to confused, to stern in a matter of seconds.
"Hello, Sirius," Dumbledore interrupted. "I'm sure you are surprised to have so many visitors."
"I've never had any visitors." Sirius was staring at all of them in wide-eyed shock. Despite his haggard appearance, Remus was surprised that after nine years in Azkaban, he was still lucid and articulate.
"We have a few matters to discuss with you, if you're willing," Dumbledore said calmly. "But first, allow me to introduce Nymphadora Tonks."
Remus was surprised to hear her first name, foolishly assuming Tonks had been her first name. She looked less than pleased to have it spoken aloud.
"Tonks? As in…Andromeda's kid?" Sirius said, gazing at her in wonder. Remus furrowed his brow; he recalled an Andromeda but couldn't bring a face to his mind.
"That's my mother, yes," Tonks said firmly. "You and I are unfortunately related."
"Unfortunately?" Sirius asked incredulously. "I was so proud when she ran off with Ted. Good man. If you're an Auror trainee, they must've done a good job with you." He grinned at her, which startled her.
Moody cleared his throat, interrupting the conversation.
"We're not here for a social visit," he grunted. "Get on with it."
"We currently have a predicament concerning Harry Potter," Dumbledore said carefully. Sirius' eyes bulged and his grin disappeared. "His guardianship is currently in question."
"What happened to the Dursleys?" Sirius asked. "I thought he was with them."
"Petunia and Vernon died almost two years ago. Harry was sent to live with his cousin and Vernon's sister, but it appears Marge Dursley knew nothing of our world and wanted nothing to do with Harry," Dumbledore explained quickly. "Remus learned of Harry's fate and went looking for him."
"Thank you, Moony," Sirius said quietly. Remus refused to look at Sirius and kept his jaw clenched. Sirius was altogether too sane for Remus' liking. Had he no remorse over what he'd done?
"We are attempting to secure Remus and his father, Lyall, as Harry's legal guardians in both the Muggle system and our Ministry—"
"—do I need to sign something?" Sirius offered, interrupting Dumbledore. "Whatever it is, I want to help. Harry should never have been with the Dursleys in the first place."
Remus was stunned. He had expected to have a rambling, nonsense conversation with a madman, and instead, Sirius was offering his help.
"As it happens, yes, we would like your signature," Dumbledore said lightly. "You remain Harry's godfather, and your approval will help us in arranging for the Lupins to take guardianship of Harry."
"Absolutely, can I sign now?"
"Something's wrong," Remus said harshly. "Why do you want to help me? Are you hoping I'll bite or kill Harry? Is that it?"
Sirius now looked astonished. "No, of course not…I want what's best for Harry."
"You sure as hell didn't when you sold Lily and James out to Voldemort!" Remus shouted. "How could you? They were our friends!"
Sirius' eyes welled with tears, but Remus could see the anger behind them.
"I never did any of those things. We switched Secret Keepers…it was Peter, Moony. Peter sold them out."
"Peter's dead! You killed him! You've gone mad!" Remus bellowed. Sirius was shaking his head, and Dumbledore cleared his throat loudly.
"Please, gentlemen," Dumbledore said pleadingly. "We're doing what's best for Harry."
"I'll sign whatever you need me to sign," Sirius said. "I am innocent, but if Harry can grow up with his Uncle Moony—"
"—stop calling me that, you have no right," Remus spat.
Dumbledore had already taken out sheets of parchment, a quill, and ink.
"There are a few lines for you to sign, and I would like to ask if you had anyone else in mind for guardianship, should something happen to Remus or Lyall," Dumbledore said evenly.
"Or if the Wizengamot refuses a werewolf to take him? Tossers," Sirius muttered, as he signed his name on a line. He put the end of the quill in his mouth and glanced at Tonks.
"Andromeda and Ted," Sirius said suddenly. "If something happens to Remus or his dad, Andromeda and Ted should take him. If they raised an Auror, they must be good people."
Remus watched as Tonks' jaw dropped. She stood, openmouthed and disbelieving, as Sirius wrote out the provisions for secondary guardians. Remus too was gobsmacked at Sirius' quick decision. Though he didn't know the Tonkses, if their daughter had the skill to become an Auror, he assumed they had to be decent people.
"I stand by everything I said," Sirius mumbled, as he signed another line. "I'm innocent."
"That's what they all say," Tonks said coldly.
"I will testify using Legilimency, Veritaserum, anything I need to prove my innocence. I'll give you memories. Now, if you need. I was never given a trial or chance," Sirius said, as he signed yet another line. "I will do whatever it takes."
He signed one last line and returned the materials to Dumbledore.
"Remus?" Sirius said softly.
Remus' head was buzzing with emotions. The visit to Azkaban had taken Remus completely by surprise. Nothing he had seen or heard had been expected.
"What?" Remus said gruffly.
"How is he? Harry?" Sirius' eyes had turned pleading. "Do you have any photographs?"
"He's fine."
Sirius drew his lips into a tight line. "All right. If…if you ever come back…please…I would like to know how he is and see him."
"We have to go," Moody said grimly. "We've done what we needed to do."
"I am innocent," Sirius urged. "Please, you must believe me. I'll do anything to prove it. We switched at the last minute, try me with anything. I would never have sold them out. I loved them…" Sirius' voice cracked as he released a dry sob from the back of his throat.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Sirius," Dumbledore said gently. "We wish you a good day."
Remus turned around to follow Tonks and Moody back to the boat that led them to Azkaban. Dumbledore stayed behind for a few more minutes until he returned to the boat with a somber expression, watching Remus with a peculiar look in his eyes.
They returned to the rocky shore minutes later. Tonks was now subdued, as opposed to the chipper attitude she'd had before leaving. It was apparent that she, too, was deep in thought.
Once they reached the shore, her face brightened considerably and her hair changed from its dull, long mousy brown to a vibrant purple quiff.
"I'm a Metamorphmagus," she said, offering Remus a smile. "A different kind of shape-shifter."
Remus nodded appreciatively at her. Both Tonks and Moody shared a few more words with Dumbledore, as Remus scuffed the toe of his shoes against dull rocks. After saying their goodbyes, Tonks and Moody Apparated back to the Ministry, leaving Remus alone with Dumbledore on the uneven ground.
"Remus, it appears we have much to discuss," Dumbledore said. "Perhaps we can begin with the fact that three underage Animagi were running around Hogwarts in the mid to late 1970s?"
Remus paled, and Dumbledore took him by the arm. He turned on his heel, and the two Apparated away from the rocky seashore.