Harry took the box home with him without even looking inside. He knew he should. And he had the password to the painting as well to speak to the man. But he didn't seem to be in a rush to do either of them. He found himself sitting in the library the next morning just looking at the box. He had the bottle of memories sitting next to the box as well. The only thing he had done was have Kreacher bring him the pensieve he knew was in the house. He had seen it from time to time as it had been in the cabinet in the room with the family tree on the main floor.
Remus was surprised when his son had not come down for breakfast that morning. He knew something had been bothering Harry and had wished he wasn't so distracted and had been there for him. He knew Harry could use his support.
He was surprised when he entered the library. "What is that doing here?"
Harry thought that he meant the pensieve. "Kreacher brought it up for me."
Remus came to his side and motioned to the box. "I meant that."
Harry turned to look at him closely. "You know what it is?"
Remus sat down on the couch. "Severus used to make them."
Harry didn't realize Remus had known as well. "He left me it in his will."
Remus was a bit confused. "His will?"
"That's why I went to school."
"Your mother."
Harry looked at him. "Did you know?"
Remus was confused. "That he left you in his will?"
Harry shook his head. "About him and my mother."
"I have told you they were best friends. The three of us once were."
"They were more then that. You told me that he loved her like a sister but that wasn't true was it?"
Remus sighed. "We both did once but he fell for her. But your mother and father were in love."
"So much so that James cheated on her?"
Remus was shocked. "How did you…..? Yes, he did though he told her. And they still married."
Harry looked at the box. "She sought comfort from Severus."
Remus was shocked. "How do you know any of this? I didn't and….."
Harry explained that he had been told when he had gone to the school. "It seems why I was left in the will."
Remus shook his head. "I don't understand why he would tell you."
"To explain how he was my father."
If Harry had any doubt left that Remus hadn't known it vanished. The man was shocked and pale when he heard the news. He knew Lily had called off the engagement for a week or so in anger. But he had never thought she would sleep with anyone else even if James had cheated. He was reminded that she got pregnant with Harry on her honeymoon he had believed. He also knew Lily was aware Severus had feelings for her and she would not have wanted to use his feelings like that. He wasn't shocked that James would have claimed Harry as his own child though. But was surprised that neither he or Sirius had ever been told the truth. Neither of them would have cared and still loved Harry.
Harry looked at the man and he had to wonder if this would change anything. He tried reminding himself Remus and Severus had been good friends as well. But part of him couldn't help but worry that Remus may feel loyalty towards James.
Remus knew his mind. "I loved your mother, she was my sister. And even if I didn't, James made you his son. He adored you."
Harry felt relief. "I cant lose you."
Remus kissed him on the head. "It matters nothing to me. And it wouldn't have to Sirius. You are our cub."
Harry felt relief. "You're more a father then he would have been even if alive."
Remus motioned to the box. "He was a better man then you believe."
"He didn't even tell me he was my father. He left the only thing he cared about to Draco."
Remus heard the sting. "He loved Draco as well. Draco grew up in that house. In the potions lab of the house. It would mean more to him."
Harry grumbled. "I guess that makes sense. He still left me nothing but some damn estate he didn't even want."
Remus motioned to the box. "He left you that."
Harry slowly lifted the lid fully. "What is it?"
Remus smiled when he picked up something. "Our first year."
Harry looked at the photo. "My mum and you two."
Remus nodded. "We picnicked under that tree for so many years."
There were other items in the box that Harry had no idea but Remus explained. To his surprise there was a potions book which he thought would have been left to Draco. But he saw that it had been written by Salazar. There was a note on the book which really shocked Harry. It mentioned the potions text that Harry had used back in sixth year, and still had. Remus smiled and told Harry that the potions book had been like a journal of sorts for Severus. From the note Harry learned that Severus intentionally made sure his son got the copy. Though it was a potions book, the text had more personal meaning for him then what it could be used for. The book written by Salazar was the first thing Severus had ever managed to buy of real value and he had when he passed his exams. He found some photos and he realized they were of his grandmother, and Severus. There was even a rattle. It had the Prince crest on it and he was told it was likely Eileen's and she gave it to her son as she had no money for one for him. There was even an old teddy bear. There were a few other items in the box, nothing of real value but still.
Remus held the bear. "Things that mattered to him."
Harry looked at the bear. "I thought his childhood was a nightmare."
"His father was. But he adored his mother. She meant a lot to him."
Harry looked at the photo of her. "And yet she never met me."
Remus squeezed his hand. "I met Eileen once. I am sure it hurt her a great deal not to know you. But like Severus she would know…."
"It was for the better good." Harry spat.
Remus shook his head. "That you would be at risk.'
"I always wished I had grandparents and cousins besides Dudley, family. I had a grandmother, she was alive."
Remus was reminded Lily and James' parents had all died. "Eileen died young. They likely thought they'd have time."
Harry shook his head. "See how well that turned out."
Remus saw the memories. "Hind sight. You may never know her in person, but there is a painting, and those."
Harry put the memories into the bowl. "Will you come with me?"
Remus smiled. "If you wish."
Making sure Winky would listen for Teddy, the two went into the memories together. They were a mix of different memories and Harry was surprised when he saw they started when Severus was little. He saw him with his mother, none with Tobias. He saw Severus and Lily meet at the park. Most of the memories were Lily and Severus together through the ages and many included Remus. He even saw the night, thankfully not the act, he had been conceived. But it went further. He saw when Severus found out about him, when he went to Prince Manor. He saw himself through Severus' eyes when he was at school. He even saw the man confront the headmaster about Harry when he found out he had a son, and throughout the years. He realized that the man had actually not been forced to watch over him after all.
He came out and looked at the photos. "Damn Albus. Just once for that man, just once for him to look at me without anger, disgust."
It had been a rough evening as Harry and Remus had gone through the box and memories. He understand the pain and resentment Harry felt. He was shocked and not just with the truth. He would have thought Severus could have found a way to tell Harry long ago. Remus could admit he was a bit hurt that he had never been told. He could honestly swear to Harry that Sirius had never known the truth. Harry had worried it was because if Sirius had known he would never have loved Harry. Remus swore to Harry that Sirius would never have loved him any less. Harry was his cub and he would have still adored him. He may not have been as close to Lily, but James had truly loved Harry as his own. Though he wasn't willing to share the news with the world Remus encouraged him to at least tell Hermione and George. Both were shocked by the news but they had shown the support that Remus knew they would. Fred had told him the same thing about his twin of course.
For now Harry had not headed back to the manor for the painting. He wasn't sure he was ready. But Hermione had inspired him to take a few steps for the future. Hermione had accepted a place at law school, sure she would be ready in the fall to start. Though he was not going to be an auror, Harry had spoken to Kingsley and would be joining the academy part time in the fall. He was considering teaching one day and it was a good option for training. In a year he would try out for quidditch. It turns out lawyers were on his mind and not simply due to Hermione.
Harry was surprised when he got home from Hermione when he found Andromeda in his den. "I wasn't expecting a guest."
Andromeda turned to him. "I came to speak."
Harry came into the room. "Remus and Teddy are not here."
"I came to speak to you."
Harry was surprised. "And why would that be?"
"You are family."
Harry looked to the family tree. "Thanks to Sirius."
Andromeda's eyes were on the tree. "You need to back off."
Harry was confused. "Back off?"
"With Teddy."
Harry didn't understand her. "Teddy is like my little brother. I am not backing out of his life."
Andromeda assured him. "I did not mean that. My daughter would want you to be part."
"Then I am not getting what you mean."
Andromeda showed him papers. "I have sued Remus for custody."
Harry looked at the papers in confusion and shock. He had known the woman had been threatening to do so. But he had thought that she would calm down with time. Ted had promised that he would try and convince his wife not to do this. It had been three weeks only since the death of her daughter. He thought that Andromeda would have over thing to focus on then filing a law suit at the moment. And he also happened to think she was a better woman then this. Even if she sued he thought she could wait to let them all mourn first.
Andromeda knew she needed to get Harry to see reason. She knew how much he loved her grandson and she would always encourage him to be a part. But he needed to see what was best for Teddy. Remus didn't stand a chance in a custody battle without Harry.
Harry handed the papers back. "How can you do this? She has been dead for three weeks."
Andromeda sighed. "I promised her to watch over her son."
"When the war was on and she and Remus could not." Harry pointed out.
"And he still can't."
"I never thought you so close minded to hold to such old prejudices." Harry spat.
"Its not about his wolf blood. He has no job. No money."
Harry reminded her. "He is writing texts. That is more then enough money."
Andromeda reminded him. "Barely. He was practically homeless before my cousin took him in."
Harry tried to remain calm. "Well that's not an issue now."
Andromeda sighed. "If you were not offering him a free home it would be."
"Well then it's a good thing I am not about to kick him out."
Andromeda put a hand on him. "You shouldn't need a house guest. A real father would have a home of his own."
Harry was fighting a snarl. "Then I will sign over a lease on one of mine."
"Those are Black homes. They belong to the family."
Harry was growing more angry. "They belong to me. And wouldn't be the first time one was given away."
Andromeda fumed. "The homes should remain in the family. This is not a daughter's dowry."
Harry shrugged. "If it makes you feel better, I will give him a Potter home instead. Or put the home in Teddy's name. He is a Black."
Andromeda wasn't happy but she tried to calm herself as she knew she needed to get Harry to see reason. She had fully accepted that Sirius had named his godson his heir. And since he had done the blood rite, she couldn't contest it if she wanted to. But the fact he was now using her family estate against her was infuriating. She couldn't understand why her husband and Harry couldn't see she was doing what was best for her grandson. Remus had no experience with children and he was not in any shape emotionally or physically to raise a child.
Harry handed her a card. "Here."
Andromeda looked down at the card. "What is this?"
"It's the name of my lawyer." Harry explained.
Andromeda was shocked. "Your lawyer?"
"It seems the Black family has attorneys. I spoke to them." Harry explained.
Andromeda tried to hand the card back. "I am sure we can handle this without."
Harry didn't take it back. "You are the one who filed a law suit."
Andromeda pushed. "Just to make him see reason. He can see his son on holidays, and his birthday or such."
Harry motioned to the door. "You keep pushing this law suit Remus may just cut you out all together."
Andromeda went to leave. "See he doesn't understand. Teddy needs his grandmother."
Harry agreed. "He needs his entire family. You are the one who are forcing the issue. Remus has never stopped you from seeing Teddy."
Andromeda opened the door. "You are the only family left. I thought family meant something to you. I thought you could see reason."
Harry smirked. "No you thought you could coerce me into turning my back on my godfather."
With that Andromeda left but Harry knew he hadn't seen the last of her. He could have reminded her that she had a nephew out there. He wondered if the two had even met. Part of him worried Draco may actually aid his aunt in order to spite Harry for getting the Prince money. His mind went to Remus as he headed out as he was to be meeting him at the coast. They had decided that a change of scenery was needed and had headed for the Black home on the coast of Cornwall. Remus had gone that morning but Harry had been running errands and meant to meet them. He could see when he got there that Remus had the papers delivered already. Remus was no more happy when he heard what Andromeda pulled.
Harry assured him. "I have called in the Black attorneys. Bill helped me track them down. I swore you would never lose him, I meant it."
AN: So this will be a Harry/Malfoy pairing. He will bond with a Malfoy as he comes to terms with Severus and his past (the main focus of the story, Andromeda is a secondary subject). I am leaning towards Lucius. Taking a vote.
