-Okay, so I wasn't going to write for a couple of days but I couldn't sleep so why not. This is a short chapter, but I really like it. I think it's an important bonding moment, but I'll let you decide for yourself. Thanks for the support!-

Sirius stared at Harry for a while, worried he might be attacked at any second and taken away from him again. Though he knew he was being overprotective, he couldn't help himself; his godson had been through more in three years than many grown wizards had in their lifetime. Not to mention, he had endured abuse and neglect throughout his childhood, and yet he was one of the kindest and brightest wizards Sirius had ever seen. It was truly astounding to him.

"Hey, take a picture. It'll last longer." Harry said to him with a small grin, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Sirius barked out a laugh and leaned across the table to push his godson playfully. "I'm just worried about you kid, I couldn't even imagine going through the stuff you did at the age of eleven."

Harry smiled at the comment then looked back down at his food. They had taken a break after watching his second year through the pensieve to get lunch in the Great Hall. Sirius continued to freak out during it, despite Harry's thorough warning before they began. It was almost funny to Harry, watching Sirius panic and cry at his expense; this was, after all, the man believed to have killed thirteen people, as well as the classic "bad boy" at Hogwarts during his time. Here he was, the almighty Sirius black, screaming like a distressed mother as he watched Harry fight a giant snake. The only thing that kept Harry from pointing this out, was that he knew Sirius had every right to worry when he saw those memories; in a way, it was comforting to see that Azkaban hadn't completely destroyed his emotional health. And also comforting to finally have someone care about you, a voice in the back of Harry's head reminded him.

Harry shook himself out of his own reverie when Lupin walked up. "Sirius, you have to eat! Starving yourself isn't going to do much for Harry, now is it?"

"Moony, I'm not hungry." Sirius said, shooting his friend a glare before pushing the plate away.

Harry then realized how gravely his memories had affected Sirius. "Sirius, I'm really okay-"

"I know you are. It's just, I don't know Harry. I was entrusted by your parents to care for you, and look at what a shoddy job I've done." Sirius mumbled, meeting Harry's gaze.

Harry felt a pang in his heart and reached out to grab his godfather's forearm. "You-you don't realize it, but you saved me. And I'm not just talking about Uncle Vernon. When I was little, I hated the Dursley's. You saw what they were like earlier - and all I wanted, more than anything in the world, was for someone, anyone, to take me away, to care about me and give me a home. For a while, I thought it was Hagrid, and Hogwarts was my home. And in some ways, it is. But now you have come, and… I don't know how to explain it but-"

"Harry," Sirius interrupted, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "Thank you."

Harry was taken aback. "Thank me? For what?"

Lupin smiled at the two knowingly, then stood up. "When you guys are ready, head up to the Headmaster's Office and we'll look through third year memories."

Harry nodded as Lupin walked away, then turned back to his godfather. "Why are you thanking me? I should be thanking you for… for wanting me."

"Who wouldn't want you Harry? And I'm not saying that because you're the 'boy-who-lived.' I'm saying it because you're kind, smart, compassionate, brave, and one of the greatest people I have ever met. You have some of the best characteristics of your mother and father and you wear them well. You're worth so much, Harry, especially to me."

Now it was Harry's turn to look away, as tears began to fall down his own cheeks. "No one's ever said that to me." He whispered, trying to calm down enough to look his godfather in the eye. However, what happened next surprised Harry so much that he forgot about his embarrassment for crying. He felt strong arms lift him into a standing position, then engulf him in a hug that practically radiated love and care. Harry couldn't help himself; he began to cry, letting all his pent up devastation from the Dursley's out against his godfather's robes. He felt Sirius rub circles on his back, and he sobbed harder, taking comfort in the fact that nobody was around to notice his breakdown.

When he had finally calmed down enough to talk without his voice cracking, he looked up at his godfather, who was smiling kindly back down at him. "Yes?" Sirius teased, not releasing his grip on his godson.

"You never answered my question - why are you thanking me?" Harry whispered.

"Harry, it's honestly I guess a matter of 'who saved who.' You seem to believe I saved you, but I beg to differ. You give my life a purpose. I lost two of my best school friends and was left with an immense amount of guilt during my time rotting away in Azkaban. When I found out Pettigrew was going to be near you, I realized I was meant for more than just living a miserable life seeking revenge. You saved me Harry, you gave me a purpose, and I love you with all that I have for allowing me to see that. Not to mention, I heard you did a pretty impressive patronus to stop the dementors from giving me the kiss that night. Speaking of which, I'd like to see that in person. You think you could spare the memory?" Sirius said with a smile, gesturing towards the Headmaster's office.

Harry nodded, and fell into step beside his godfather as they left the Great Hall.