Okay, so here's the deal...I just realized that if I don't get this chapter
out tonight that it might not be out till Friday, and I really liked
writing this chapter so I wanted to get it to you all as soon as possible,
thus, I don't have time to write personal messages to everyone, something I
love to do...sorry! But thanks to all who reviewed, I appreciate it very
much, my heart warms whenever you guys send me the sweet reviews you
do...seriously I had a really bad day turned completely around by a
review...so keep it up! There are a few who I will talk to in the next
chapter, cause you wrote interesting things, but other than that, I just
don't have the time right now...way too busy! Again a million sorry's and
thank you's! Enjoy!
Harry was stumped. He could think of nothing to say, nothing to do that would make Ron feel better. Sure he had lost his mother as well, but it was under completely different circumstances than this. It appeared that Hermione didn't really know what to say or do either, she just sat next to him, and shot him occasional sympathetic glances. Thus, they just sat in silence, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Nearly twenty minutes after Harry arrived, he heard the church settle down as the rest of the Weasley family marched silently in. All looked calm and collected, though terribly sad, with the exception of Ginny. Ginny's eyes were rimmed in red and she sniffed deep breaths every few seconds. This is what Harry wished Ron was like, he could have dealt with that, but dark and angry wasn't Harry's specialty. He watched the whole red haired clan file into the pew in front of them and looked up to see a minister begin to speak.
The ceremony was actually very nice, it made Harry feel less sad about the death. Just like Sirius said, Harry was feeling less saddened by her memory and happier because of it. He hadn't expected it to happen so fast, but was glad it did, he only wished it had been the same for Ron.
When the ceremony ended, Ron abruptly stood up and walked straight out of the church without telling anyone where he was going. Hermione looked very worried.
"Where do you think he went?" she asked.
"He probably just wanted to be alone...to think things through, you know?"
"I guess, do you think he'll be alright? He's not taking this well at all."
"I hope so," Harry replied with a sigh. "Lets go talk to the other Weasleys."
Hermione nodded and they walked over to where they all stood in a line. They each hugged every member of the family and gave their condolences. When Harry reached Fred and George, he was slightly surprised to see that they were a lot calmer than usual, he had never seen them like that in the whole time he had known them.
"How's Ron?" Fred asked.
"Dunno," Harry responded, "He wouldn't talk to us earlier...he just left the church."
George nodded grimly. "He's taking it worse than any of us...even Ginny. Think you two could talk to him? We've all tried, but nothing seems to work...we don't know what to do for the poor kid."
"He blames himself," Fred threw in quickly, before a very large witch over took both the twins at once in a huge hug.
Hermione and Harry backed away to the rear of the church where Sirius and Remus were waiting.
"Sirius, Professor Lupin!" Hermione said, rushing ahead and giving both of the men hugs.
"Hermione," they both said, smiling at her exuberance. After formalities had been passed, Sirius took hold of Harry's shoulder, "How's Ron?"
Harry shook his head sadly. "Not good Sirius...Fred said he blamed himself, although I don't know how he figures it's his fault...anyway, we tried talking to him, but he didn't answer us at all, and then he just rushed out of the church. I don't know what to do for him...I'm new at all this, you know?"
Sirius and Remus both nodded. "You just have to be there for him," Remus said wisely. "Never give up on him, and don't pressure him to talk. Trust me, we've been through this a lot. Just give him time...eventually you'll have the old Ron back, just maybe not as soon as you'd like."
Harry nodded but looked so helpless. Sirius again took him by the shoulder and said, "Why don't you go find him...he probably thinks he needs to be alone, but he needs someone, go help him."
Harry nodded grimly and set off for the door, Hermione at his heels. Both Sirius and Remus grabbed her shoulders, and said, "Not so fast."
Hermione watched helplessly as Harry walked out the door without her.
"Why can't I go?" she asked indignantly.
"I think they need guy time Hermione. The three real marauders all dealt with our parents dying while we were young, like Ron, and there's one thing that we didn't want to deal with when it happened...girls," Sirius said flatly.
"He's right. Ron needs time to grieve, and he's not going to do it in front of a girl...it's not manly to cry, and he's not going to want you to see him doing it, not at all...but if Harry and Ron's friendship is anything like the marauders, he'll find comfort in Harry, his brother," Remus added.
Hermione nodded sadly that she understood, and Sirius wrapped an arm around her. "I know it sucks...Lily had the same problem, you feel a little left out right? But trust Remus and I, it's for the best."
"Yeah, I know, it's okay."
Outside, Harry was searching the grounds for his red haired friend. He almost gave up when he saw a little red sticking out from behind a tree. Harry went around to see Ron staring angrily at the ground. He was sitting on the grass, with his legs pulled up high into his chest, his arms wrapped firmly, tensely around them. He didn't look up when Harry stepped in front of him, but relaxed slightly. Harry sat down on the ground next to him and never said a word. They sat like that for nearly fifteen minutes, both just staring ahead, lost in thoughts. Finally, Ron sighed and turned to Harry. He laughed bitterly and said, "This really sucks, huh?"
Harry nodded sadly. "Yeah, it does."
Ron was again silent for a bit.
"Fred told me you think it's your fault?" Harry inquired.
Ron looked down at the ground and slowly nodded his head.
Harry waited a few seconds to see if Ron would say anything, when he didn't, Harry asked, "Why?"
Ron bit his lip and shook his head. "I don't know," he said, his voice tight and strained. "It's just because...never mind." Ron shook his head, like he thought it was a very bad idea to tell Harry why, and Harry understood exactly what that meant.
"You think it's your fault because you have a connection with Voldemort, a connection through me."
Ron shook his head, but Harry nodded. "Yeah you do, and I agree, but it's not your fault at all...its mine. I already told Sirius and Remus that I thought that, but they tried to tell me it wasn't. And I know that it wasn't really my fault, they've convinced me of that, but I still feel to blame, and I always will...you always will too, it's something we can't help but think...but I'm going to tell you what they told me, the person at fault here is Voldemort, no one but him...he's why it happened."
"Actually, I thought it was my fault because she was in Diagon Ally to get me a new owl...Fred and George accidentally killed Pig."
"Oh," Harry said sheepishly. "But it's still not your fault! If it hadn't been for Voldemort, she would have made it safely out of Diagon Ally...it's not your fault mate!"
Ron nodded sadly, "But like you said...I can't help but feel like it is."
"Yeah well..." Harry said hopelessly. The two went back to not talking. For nearly a half an hour they just sat there.
"It's okay to cry you know...if there's one thing I've learned since I left the Dursley's is just that..." Harry said quietly.
Ron looked up with sad eyes and shook his head. "I'm afraid that if I start crying...I'll never be able to stop."
Harry put an arm over his friends shoulders, "You'll be able to stop, trust me...it may take a while, but eventually, you'll be fine."
Ron slouched and lowered his head slightly. He sat quietly for five minutes or so, and then lifted his head as tears began to stream heavily down his face. Harry pulled his friend into a strong hug at this point and let Ron cry it out. They had been outside for nearly two hours before Ron's tears finally slowed.
"Thanks 'Arry," Ron mumbled, trying to dry his tears.
Harry grinned, "No problem...feel better?"
Ron shrugged, "A little I guess...but I miss her...I miss her so much and it hurts so bad."
"I know," Harry murmured. "Are you ready to go back in?"
Ron nodded and said, "Yeah, I guess I have to face the music sometime."
Harry stood and brushed off his pants and then helped Ron up. Together they both walked back into the church, where they were instantly greeted by Hermione.
"I'm sorry about earlier," Ron said, as Hermione pulled him into another big hug.
"I don't care Ron, as long as you're feeling better now."
"I am," he said, grinning slightly at Harry. "But I think I should be up there with my family."
Harry nodded, and looked at Sirius and Remus, then turned back to Ron, "Remember the prank?"
Ron nodded, confused.
"Remember what Remus and Sirius told you?"
Ron thought for a moment and then nodded, "Something about always being able to go to your house if I needed anything."
"Well, I think they really meant that...if you ever get fed up...just come on over, you don't need to ask or anything...I'm sure it'll be fine." Remus and Sirius nodded in agreement.
Ron smiled the first real smile of the day and nodded. He stepped up and gave Harry a man hug and then turned and went to stand with the family.
"You ready Harry?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded and turned to Hermione. "Same goes for you...if you ever get bored, drop by the Lupin Loft, okay?"
"Sure Harry, and thanks...I don't know what you did to Ron, but you've brought him back to his usual self, I don't know how you do the things you do."
"I just did what Sirius and Remus have done for me...you can learn a lot from these two," he said grinning.
"Better believe it," Sirius cut in.
"Bye Harry, Sirius, Remus," Hermione said, hugging each respectively. They all said goodbye as well and then walked out of the church and headed home.
It turned out that the Burrow was actually rather close to the Lupin Loft, so they just decided to drive the muggle way home. During the car ride, Sirius asked what had happened with Ron.
"Well," Harry began, "I really just tried to do to him what you always do to me...you don't make me talk until I want to. I waited for nearly half an hour and he finally talked. I got him to tell me everything he had been going through and then just let him cry...then we went in, it was nothing really."
"Nothing?" Remus said skeptically. "I've been on the receiving end of that kind of treatment, so don't tell me its nothing...that kind of friendship means a lot, I think you helped Ron more than you'll ever know by just sitting out there with him."
"I hope so...and thanks for not letting Hermione go out there, I don't think it would have had the same effect with her there...you know?"
"Yeah we know...Your mom used to have the same problem, as we just explained to Hermione...there are some things the guys just have to handle on their own," Sirius said. Harry nodded in agreement.
"Your birthday's coming up you know Harry," Sirius stated, as though Harry had no idea that it was even the right month.
"Yeah," Harry said evenly, "So?"
"So? You're turning fifteen...that's a big one, what do you want us to do?"
Harry was thoroughly confused, "Do? What do you mean?"
Remus gave Sirius a warning look and kept on driving, but Sirius didn't understand. Sirius kept on talking anyways, "I mean, who do you want to invite? Do you want it inside or out? Do we need to get anything?"
"You mean...you want to throw a party? For me?" Harry asked, shocked.
"Of course, what do you want to do?"
"I don't need a party Sirius...maybe have Ron and Hermione over, but that's all I need."
"But it's your birthday..." Sirius said, not understanding why Harry didn't seem enthusiastic about the idea. Harry just shrugged and turned to look out the window.
Remus elbowed Sirius and whispered, "Give it a rest, okay?"
"What?!" Sirius asked, completely bewildered.
"Never mind, just drop it okay?" Remus pleaded, and waited for Sirius to nod his head in agreement. They rode the rest of the way home in silence. When they entered the Lupin Loft, Harry declared that he was going to get started on the piles of homework the teachers had left him, leaving Sirius and Remus alone in the living room.
"So what's the problem with talking about a party?"
"Isn't it obvious Padfoot? He didn't want to talk about it. I think it's clear that Harry has never had a big deal made out of his birthday, and that he doesn't want it now. Couldn't you sense that he didn't want to talk about it?"
"Well, yeah, but I didn't understand why...and I still don't for that matter. We've taken Harry away from that old life...to start new, he deserves a good party, and I'm going to give him one!"
"Sirius, listen to me, it's NOT a good idea...he doesn't want one, you'll only upset him."
"He'll have a good time Remus, I know he will."
"And what if he does? Afterwards he's just going to dwell on the fact that he had fifteen birthdays without that...he's going to see what other kids have had all there lives, and he's going to be really sad he missed out on it. I'm not going to let you do this."
"Well we have to celebrate his birthday Moony!" Sirius yelled in exasperation.
"I agree, and we'll do just what he wanted, have a small little 'gathering' here with just us and Ron and Hermione."
Sirius looked highly disappointed. "Sirius, he needs time to adjust to this life, maybe next year we'll throw him a big one...but he's definitely not ready yet, and he obviously doesn't want one."
"Fine Moony, it'll just be us and Ron and Hermione."
"Trust me Sirius, it's for the best."
"I know, but I could have planned the best party! I guess you're right, but we can still go all out with presents right?"
"Yeah, I don't think Harry would mind that."
"We're going to need to do some shopping for him, eh Moony?"
Remus smiled, "Yeah, but I don't know when, full moons coming up in a few days."
Sirius's face darkened. "Oh yeah, I forgot, do you think you'll be okay by Harry's birthday? Should we postpone the 'gathering'?"
"Well, I don't think I'll be at my usual energy level, but I think I can handle a birthday party no problem."
"Good...I hope Harry can handle the full moon, it'll be hard for him I think...it's still hard for me."
"I guess we'll have to wait and see," Remus said darkly. He didn't want to say anything, but was worried about what Harry would think after he heard Remus during a transformation. He feared that Harry would come to see him as what he really was during that one night every month, a monster.
The days before the full moon passed in a flurry, as Remus and Sirius, and even Sorai began to prepare for Harry's birthday, they got him so many presents, Dudley would have been jealous. Harry, of course, had no idea what was going on and was expecting his usual five or so presents, yet he was for once looking forward to the big day. However, the night of the full moon put quite a damper on his good mood.
At around seven o'clock, Remus left the main part of the house and went down to the large basement, a place where Harry had never been. Sirius explained that it was completely safe for the rest of them, as Remus securely locked a number of doors well before the transformation began. There were also plenty of things the wolf could take his aggression out on without hurting himself. After he solemnly went down the stairs and began shutting doors, Harry and Sirius started up a game of chess. When the game finally ended, night really began to set, and the mood darkened considerably. "Lets watch some television, shall we?" Sirius asked nervously.
"Sure," Harry said shrugging. They began watching some funny movie on TV in complete silence, neither really laughing at the jokes. Where laughter should have been, a loud howl came from the basement. Sirius bit his lip but otherwise showed no sign that he heard the howl, Harry on the other hand looked shaken at the sound, but continued to watch the TV as well. Every now and then, more howl's came, as well as loud rips and bangs, as the wolf tore things a part and hit the cement walls.
"Sirius?" Harry asked timidly. "Why didn't he take that Wolfsbane Potion?"
Sirius sighed and went to sit on the couch with Harry. "Wolfsbane is really hard to make, neither I nor Remus can do it, and since he no longer works at Hogwarts, he can't have it at his fingertips, so he has to suffer through this."
"Oh," Harry replied sadly and flinched as he heard Remus hurling himself against a wall. "Is he going to be okay? It sounds awful."
"Yeah, he'll be okay, he's been through this enough. He'll be bruised, scratched and exhausted, but he'll be alright."
They watched the rest of the TV movie in silence, loud interruptions from the basement happening now and then. Harry got used to the noises, however, and fell asleep on the couch, leaning heavily against Sirius who had also fallen asleep.
Sirius woke the next morning and gently pushed Harry off of him and laid him on the couch. He then went to the basement stairs and pulled open the doors until he reached Remus, laying sprawled face first on the cold cement floor. He walked over to him and knelt down, putting a hand on Remus's back and gently shaking him awake. "Moony," he said softly. "Moony, wake up." Remus slowly came back to reality with severe grimaces of pain. Sirius helped him roll onto his back so he could sit up. Every moment he made was followed by a sharp intake of breath or a hiss of pain.
Sirius grabbed Remus around the waist and pulled him into a standing position. He pulled one of Remus's arms over his neck, and tried to support the rest of his body as they walked toward the stairs. "C'mon Moony, you can do it buddy. We need to get you up to bed. You need to rest." Remus nodded tiredly.
"That was a really bad one, Padfoot," he croaked.
"I know, I heard. Do you want me to join you down here for the next one?"
Remus shook his head firmly. "You need to be up here for Harry."
"I guess," Sirius said skeptically, Remus never seemed to want to have anyone there with him, despite the fact that it made the transformation and the recovery easier. Sirius didn't understand why he was like that.
Harry woke that morning to hear heavy footsteps on the stairs. He looked around and saw Sirius emerge at the top of them, practically carrying an exhausted looking Remus. Harry jumped to his feet in shock. Remus lolled his head up and looked Harry sadly in the eyes. He didn't want Harry seeing him like that. Harry just stood there, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. Remus looked down again at the floor, it took far too much energy to keep his head up high. "I'm sorry you have to see this Harry," he mumbled before Sirius steered him to the next flight of stairs.
Harry followed behind them, "I'm sorry to Remus, I'm sorry you have to go through that." He saw Remus's shoulders slump and his head nod sadly. Harry watched them disappear up the stairs and then sat back down on the couch in shock. After five minutes or so, Sirius came trotting back down the stairs. "So there you have it, Harry. That's his life."
Harry nodded sadly. "I can't believe that...he looked-awful. It's always been that bad for him?"
"Yeah, it has. But don't worry, he'll be fine in a couple of days, he's done it before."
"Is there anything we can do for him?"
Sirius smiled, "No, not really. We just have to be here for him to help him when he needs it. Moony and I have been through this together a lot, so don't worry about it, we can handle everything."
Harry nodded, "Well I'll help if you need me to...just ask."
"I will Harry, but don't stress yourself out over this, we're both used to it, its no big deal anymore, alright?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "I think I'm going to go take a shower."
"Good plan...I'll start breakfast, it won't be as good as Moony's but I'll do my best not to scorch anything.
Harry grinned and disappeared up the stairs. He passed Remus's bedroom, though, and slowed down. Stopping in front of the door, Harry thought about what he should do. He didn't know why, but he wanted to help Remus, he couldn't stand seeing his former professor like that and wanted to make him feel better. Slowly, he peered through the half shut door and saw Remus wrapped in piles of blankets, yet still shivering in his bed. Harry stepped softly into the room, walked up to Remus's bed, and looked down at the exhausted man, thinking he was asleep. Harry noticed a big bruise on Remus's cheek, and stuck his hand out to gently touch it.
Suddenly, Remus grabbed Harry's wrist tightly and mumbled through chattering teeth, "Harry, what are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry...I wanted to see if there was anything I could do to help," Harry said in a panic.
"There's nothing you can do Harry, there's nothing anyone can do. Until they decide to make Wolfsbane in a bottle, I'm going to have to go through this once a month," he muttered bitterly.
"Are you sure there's nothing...nothing I can do?"
Remus nodded dully. "Just do your usual thing Harry...I'll be fine. I just need to sleep...if only I could get to sleep."
"I'm sorry I'm keeping you up, I'll go now," Harry mumbled guiltily.
"No, Harry it's not your fault...I was having trouble sleeping before you came in here. But I do think you should go now, I'm not going to get any rest talking to my favorite kid," Remus said in the nicest way possible. He didn't want Harry to feel unwelcome, but didn't like having him there at that moment at all.
Harry nodded, understanding completely. "Yeah, I'll just go take a shower. I hope you feel better."
"Thanks Harry...I love you."
"Love you too," Harry said before leaving the room.
Despite his pain, Remus smiled to himself, content with everything in his life, except of course his current condition.
Harry took his shower, got dressed and then dragged his old chair downstairs. He still had trouble walking long distances, but no longer needed the chair at all. He brought it to the living room and left it there as he went to see Sirius in the kitchen.
"Hey Harry," Sirius greeted from the stove where he was rather unsuccessfully trying to make fried eggs. They looked more like scrambled.
"Hey. You sure you don't want me to make breakfast? I had lots of practice at the Dursley's."
"No, that's okay, I'm doing fine here...I don't want you to do anything here that you had to do there."
"It's really no problem Sirius, I actually like cooking...always have. If it weren't for Snape I'd probably like potions a lot better too."
"Well, if you think you could do a better job then me then go right ahead...I'll just throw these away," Sirius said, pointing to his fried/scrambled mess.
He did just that and then Harry set out to make ham and cheese omelets. "Is Sorai going to eat with us?"
"No, I think she's working today, I don't know and I don't care, as long as I know she's living in a safe place I'm not going to worry. She's always been one to do her own thing...that's why you don't see her around that much."
"Oh...should I make something for Remus?"
Sirius shook his head, "He usually can't hold down anything the day after the full moon, so it's pointless to even try."
"Okay," Harry said and then finished making two omelets and toast and brought it all to the table. Sirius dug right in and then stared surprised at Harry.
"This is the BEST omelet I have had in my life! Harry, you cook better than Remus...the DURSLEY'S taught you that?"
Harry looked embarrassed. "I wouldn't say they taught me...they'd get really...er...angry if what I cooked wasn't good enough so I had to improve. I used to sneak out at night and watch cooking shows so I could do a better job."
"Well I guess something about staying at the Dursley's was good for you...I bet you would do better in potions if it weren't for Snape...potion making and cooking go hand in hand...this is great Harry."
"Why's it so great?"
"Well, both Remus and I are hopeless at making potions...but maybe you're better than us both. Maybe you could make the wolfsbane for Rem...we could get you all the ingredients."
Harry's face lit up at the prospect of finally being able to give back to Remus after he had done so much for him. "I'd love to try it but...what if I screwed up? Couldn't that be really dangerous?"
"There's nothing that goes into the Wolfsbane that's really deadly, if you screw it up, it just won't work properly, so we'd take the necessary precautions. If you'd be willing, I'll bring it up with Remus when he's feeling better."
Four days later, Harry's fifteenth birthday, Remus was feeling much better, but the topic of Wolfsbane Potion had left everyone's minds. They all woke early that day, and even Sorai stuck with the crew for the days events. Ron and Hermione both arrived at around ten o'clock in the morning and the birthday gathering began. They first went outside and played a pick-up quidditch game. Hermione was the worst quidditch player Harry had ever seen, but he was surprised to see how good Ron had gotten. Harry decided then and there that he was going to get him on the team this year. They played until nearly four o'clock and went inside to get cake and open Harry's presents.
The whole crew was sitting around the table as Sirius brought in the cake, when the doorbell rang. Sirius rushed through the birthday song and placed the cake in front of Harry, and the doorbell rang again. "Quick, Harry make a wish."
Harry did and then blew out the candles. He wished that for once in his life, everything would start to go right. Sirius took a few quick pictures and then went to get the door. Everyone was curious as to who it could be, and quieted down to listen. "Is Remus J. Lupin here?" a very formal voice inquired.
"Yes," they heard Sirius mutter very darkly, and wondered what could make Sirius so angry so quickly.
"Take me to him," the voice said.
Sirius came through first, his face as white as could be. He was soon followed by a man in dress robes, robes quite similar to the ones the men who took Sirius away wore. He stepped up to Remus, who stood at being approached. "Are you Remus J. Lupin?"
"Yes, I am," Remus said firmly.
"You are under arrest by the ministry of magic for aiding a criminal and withholding information from the ministry. You will be taken to the ministry now, where you will be given a trial. Do you understand the charges being brought against you?"
Remus nodded, appearing brave, but Harry knew otherwise, Remus was terrified. The ministry official said, "It's time to go, say your goodbye's, I'll be outside." Harry was surprised to see this coming from a ministry official. He hadn't expected any acts of kindness at all. Perhaps he thought it was unfair that Remus was being charged with this, maybe there was hope for Remus. They'd know soon enough. Remus first went and said his goodbye to Sorai, who looked ready to cry. He then went and embraced Sirius and said some things to him that Harry couldn't hear. He then gave Ron and Hermione hugs, and they wished him good luck. Now, he stepped up to Harry.
"I'm so sorry Harry...on your birthday and all. Please forgive me."
"It's not your fault Remus, you don't deserve this...you didn't do anything wrong."
"I know, but you've had so few great days...this was supposed to be one of them, and look what I've turned it into."
"It's okay, really. Don't think about it, just make sure you win your trial, okay?"
Remus nodded and grinned slightly at Harry before pulling him into a big hug. "Goodbye, Harry."
"Bye, Remus," he whispered before watching Remus walk out the door. After the door shut, nobody said a word. Harry returned to his seat and everyone looked from one to the other in very uncomfortable silence.
"Well," Sirius finally said, a tremor in his voice. "Moony would want the party to continue...lets eat cake." He cut the cake and handed everyone a piece. No one, not even Sirius finished a whole piece.
"Time for presents," Sirius said when they all finished what they would of their cake. He tried to keep an upbeat mood, but failed miserably. No one was in the right state to be happy. Harry loved all his presents, but knew he would have loved them more had Remus been there. He was shocked to see the number of presents he received, and liked them all. He got tons of clothes, books, wizard games, new stuff for his room, a few movies, and his own set of quidditch balls, as well as various other odds and ends. When he thought all the presents had been opened, he was actually relieved. He could then end the party and have a little alone time, which he needed after the days events.
Harry was about to get up from the table, when Sirius said, "Wait, sit back down, there's more."
"More?!" Harry asked, exasperated.
Sirius nodded and grinned sadly. "This was Remus's best present for you, I'd save it for his return, but that really wouldn't work out too well." Sirius then left the room and came back carrying something very large that had a sheet over it. He set it gently on the floor next to Harry. "Okay, open it."
Harry grabbed the sheet and pulled it off and then breathed sharply. Lying curled in a wicker basket was a tiny golden retriever puppy. Harry's face lit up when he saw it, he looked like he was going to say something, but didn't. He was speechless. He picked the puppy up and held it in his lap as he started petting it. "What's his name?" he asked.
"That's up to you, Harry?" Sirius said grinning.
"What's Remus's middle name...J...?"
"Same as yours actually. Remus James Lupin."
"Really? Well then his name is James..." Harry said trailing off as he looked down at the puppy. He didn't know why, but the present meant a lot to him. A dog is said to be man's best friend, and Harry had always wanted one for just that reason, and now he had one that was just his.
"Remus seemed to think I wasn't a good enough pet dog for you...that you needed your own, and I think he was right. Now, dogs aren't usually allowed at Hogwarts, but we cleared it with Dumbledore, so you can take James here with you anywhere you want to go."
"Nice," Harry said, mesmerized by the dog, who seemed just as taken with Harry. The puppy put its little paws on Harry's chest and tried to lick his face. Harry laughed gently. "Thanks...thanks for everything Sirius...Sorai, Ron, Hermione."
"Anytime," Sirius said, and the others nodded.
"I think we should be going," Hermione said knowingly to Ron. Ron looked like he didn't want to go, but nodded his head anyway, he knew Harry would want to be alone after what happened. Sirius got up and led everyone to the fireplace.
"Bye, Hermione, thanks for coming," Harry said, giving her a hug.
"No problem Harry, I hope everything works out, Happy Birthday." Harry grinned at her and then turned to Ron.
"Thanks Ron, see you later," Harry said, looking sadly at Ron.
"Bye Harry, Happy Birthday...come get me if you need me, okay man?"
Harry nodded and they again shared a man hug. "Bye guys," Harry said as they both went through the fireplace to their respective houses.
Harry sighed deeply when they left. He again thanked Sirius and then took his puppy and presents up to his room. To think. He laid down on his bed with James, and thought, "So much for that birthday wish."
And there you have it, so you can all stop asking what's going to happen to Remus...actually I still haven't told you...next chapter you'll find out. I really can't say whether or not the next chapter will take a while, I can only think of two absolutely open days coming up for a while, but it might all work out and who knows, maybe my teachers will lay off and I'll be able to have one by the weekend!
Harry was stumped. He could think of nothing to say, nothing to do that would make Ron feel better. Sure he had lost his mother as well, but it was under completely different circumstances than this. It appeared that Hermione didn't really know what to say or do either, she just sat next to him, and shot him occasional sympathetic glances. Thus, they just sat in silence, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Nearly twenty minutes after Harry arrived, he heard the church settle down as the rest of the Weasley family marched silently in. All looked calm and collected, though terribly sad, with the exception of Ginny. Ginny's eyes were rimmed in red and she sniffed deep breaths every few seconds. This is what Harry wished Ron was like, he could have dealt with that, but dark and angry wasn't Harry's specialty. He watched the whole red haired clan file into the pew in front of them and looked up to see a minister begin to speak.
The ceremony was actually very nice, it made Harry feel less sad about the death. Just like Sirius said, Harry was feeling less saddened by her memory and happier because of it. He hadn't expected it to happen so fast, but was glad it did, he only wished it had been the same for Ron.
When the ceremony ended, Ron abruptly stood up and walked straight out of the church without telling anyone where he was going. Hermione looked very worried.
"Where do you think he went?" she asked.
"He probably just wanted to be alone...to think things through, you know?"
"I guess, do you think he'll be alright? He's not taking this well at all."
"I hope so," Harry replied with a sigh. "Lets go talk to the other Weasleys."
Hermione nodded and they walked over to where they all stood in a line. They each hugged every member of the family and gave their condolences. When Harry reached Fred and George, he was slightly surprised to see that they were a lot calmer than usual, he had never seen them like that in the whole time he had known them.
"How's Ron?" Fred asked.
"Dunno," Harry responded, "He wouldn't talk to us earlier...he just left the church."
George nodded grimly. "He's taking it worse than any of us...even Ginny. Think you two could talk to him? We've all tried, but nothing seems to work...we don't know what to do for the poor kid."
"He blames himself," Fred threw in quickly, before a very large witch over took both the twins at once in a huge hug.
Hermione and Harry backed away to the rear of the church where Sirius and Remus were waiting.
"Sirius, Professor Lupin!" Hermione said, rushing ahead and giving both of the men hugs.
"Hermione," they both said, smiling at her exuberance. After formalities had been passed, Sirius took hold of Harry's shoulder, "How's Ron?"
Harry shook his head sadly. "Not good Sirius...Fred said he blamed himself, although I don't know how he figures it's his fault...anyway, we tried talking to him, but he didn't answer us at all, and then he just rushed out of the church. I don't know what to do for him...I'm new at all this, you know?"
Sirius and Remus both nodded. "You just have to be there for him," Remus said wisely. "Never give up on him, and don't pressure him to talk. Trust me, we've been through this a lot. Just give him time...eventually you'll have the old Ron back, just maybe not as soon as you'd like."
Harry nodded but looked so helpless. Sirius again took him by the shoulder and said, "Why don't you go find him...he probably thinks he needs to be alone, but he needs someone, go help him."
Harry nodded grimly and set off for the door, Hermione at his heels. Both Sirius and Remus grabbed her shoulders, and said, "Not so fast."
Hermione watched helplessly as Harry walked out the door without her.
"Why can't I go?" she asked indignantly.
"I think they need guy time Hermione. The three real marauders all dealt with our parents dying while we were young, like Ron, and there's one thing that we didn't want to deal with when it happened...girls," Sirius said flatly.
"He's right. Ron needs time to grieve, and he's not going to do it in front of a girl...it's not manly to cry, and he's not going to want you to see him doing it, not at all...but if Harry and Ron's friendship is anything like the marauders, he'll find comfort in Harry, his brother," Remus added.
Hermione nodded sadly that she understood, and Sirius wrapped an arm around her. "I know it sucks...Lily had the same problem, you feel a little left out right? But trust Remus and I, it's for the best."
"Yeah, I know, it's okay."
Outside, Harry was searching the grounds for his red haired friend. He almost gave up when he saw a little red sticking out from behind a tree. Harry went around to see Ron staring angrily at the ground. He was sitting on the grass, with his legs pulled up high into his chest, his arms wrapped firmly, tensely around them. He didn't look up when Harry stepped in front of him, but relaxed slightly. Harry sat down on the ground next to him and never said a word. They sat like that for nearly fifteen minutes, both just staring ahead, lost in thoughts. Finally, Ron sighed and turned to Harry. He laughed bitterly and said, "This really sucks, huh?"
Harry nodded sadly. "Yeah, it does."
Ron was again silent for a bit.
"Fred told me you think it's your fault?" Harry inquired.
Ron looked down at the ground and slowly nodded his head.
Harry waited a few seconds to see if Ron would say anything, when he didn't, Harry asked, "Why?"
Ron bit his lip and shook his head. "I don't know," he said, his voice tight and strained. "It's just because...never mind." Ron shook his head, like he thought it was a very bad idea to tell Harry why, and Harry understood exactly what that meant.
"You think it's your fault because you have a connection with Voldemort, a connection through me."
Ron shook his head, but Harry nodded. "Yeah you do, and I agree, but it's not your fault at all...its mine. I already told Sirius and Remus that I thought that, but they tried to tell me it wasn't. And I know that it wasn't really my fault, they've convinced me of that, but I still feel to blame, and I always will...you always will too, it's something we can't help but think...but I'm going to tell you what they told me, the person at fault here is Voldemort, no one but him...he's why it happened."
"Actually, I thought it was my fault because she was in Diagon Ally to get me a new owl...Fred and George accidentally killed Pig."
"Oh," Harry said sheepishly. "But it's still not your fault! If it hadn't been for Voldemort, she would have made it safely out of Diagon Ally...it's not your fault mate!"
Ron nodded sadly, "But like you said...I can't help but feel like it is."
"Yeah well..." Harry said hopelessly. The two went back to not talking. For nearly a half an hour they just sat there.
"It's okay to cry you know...if there's one thing I've learned since I left the Dursley's is just that..." Harry said quietly.
Ron looked up with sad eyes and shook his head. "I'm afraid that if I start crying...I'll never be able to stop."
Harry put an arm over his friends shoulders, "You'll be able to stop, trust me...it may take a while, but eventually, you'll be fine."
Ron slouched and lowered his head slightly. He sat quietly for five minutes or so, and then lifted his head as tears began to stream heavily down his face. Harry pulled his friend into a strong hug at this point and let Ron cry it out. They had been outside for nearly two hours before Ron's tears finally slowed.
"Thanks 'Arry," Ron mumbled, trying to dry his tears.
Harry grinned, "No problem...feel better?"
Ron shrugged, "A little I guess...but I miss her...I miss her so much and it hurts so bad."
"I know," Harry murmured. "Are you ready to go back in?"
Ron nodded and said, "Yeah, I guess I have to face the music sometime."
Harry stood and brushed off his pants and then helped Ron up. Together they both walked back into the church, where they were instantly greeted by Hermione.
"I'm sorry about earlier," Ron said, as Hermione pulled him into another big hug.
"I don't care Ron, as long as you're feeling better now."
"I am," he said, grinning slightly at Harry. "But I think I should be up there with my family."
Harry nodded, and looked at Sirius and Remus, then turned back to Ron, "Remember the prank?"
Ron nodded, confused.
"Remember what Remus and Sirius told you?"
Ron thought for a moment and then nodded, "Something about always being able to go to your house if I needed anything."
"Well, I think they really meant that...if you ever get fed up...just come on over, you don't need to ask or anything...I'm sure it'll be fine." Remus and Sirius nodded in agreement.
Ron smiled the first real smile of the day and nodded. He stepped up and gave Harry a man hug and then turned and went to stand with the family.
"You ready Harry?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded and turned to Hermione. "Same goes for you...if you ever get bored, drop by the Lupin Loft, okay?"
"Sure Harry, and thanks...I don't know what you did to Ron, but you've brought him back to his usual self, I don't know how you do the things you do."
"I just did what Sirius and Remus have done for me...you can learn a lot from these two," he said grinning.
"Better believe it," Sirius cut in.
"Bye Harry, Sirius, Remus," Hermione said, hugging each respectively. They all said goodbye as well and then walked out of the church and headed home.
It turned out that the Burrow was actually rather close to the Lupin Loft, so they just decided to drive the muggle way home. During the car ride, Sirius asked what had happened with Ron.
"Well," Harry began, "I really just tried to do to him what you always do to me...you don't make me talk until I want to. I waited for nearly half an hour and he finally talked. I got him to tell me everything he had been going through and then just let him cry...then we went in, it was nothing really."
"Nothing?" Remus said skeptically. "I've been on the receiving end of that kind of treatment, so don't tell me its nothing...that kind of friendship means a lot, I think you helped Ron more than you'll ever know by just sitting out there with him."
"I hope so...and thanks for not letting Hermione go out there, I don't think it would have had the same effect with her there...you know?"
"Yeah we know...Your mom used to have the same problem, as we just explained to Hermione...there are some things the guys just have to handle on their own," Sirius said. Harry nodded in agreement.
"Your birthday's coming up you know Harry," Sirius stated, as though Harry had no idea that it was even the right month.
"Yeah," Harry said evenly, "So?"
"So? You're turning fifteen...that's a big one, what do you want us to do?"
Harry was thoroughly confused, "Do? What do you mean?"
Remus gave Sirius a warning look and kept on driving, but Sirius didn't understand. Sirius kept on talking anyways, "I mean, who do you want to invite? Do you want it inside or out? Do we need to get anything?"
"You mean...you want to throw a party? For me?" Harry asked, shocked.
"Of course, what do you want to do?"
"I don't need a party Sirius...maybe have Ron and Hermione over, but that's all I need."
"But it's your birthday..." Sirius said, not understanding why Harry didn't seem enthusiastic about the idea. Harry just shrugged and turned to look out the window.
Remus elbowed Sirius and whispered, "Give it a rest, okay?"
"What?!" Sirius asked, completely bewildered.
"Never mind, just drop it okay?" Remus pleaded, and waited for Sirius to nod his head in agreement. They rode the rest of the way home in silence. When they entered the Lupin Loft, Harry declared that he was going to get started on the piles of homework the teachers had left him, leaving Sirius and Remus alone in the living room.
"So what's the problem with talking about a party?"
"Isn't it obvious Padfoot? He didn't want to talk about it. I think it's clear that Harry has never had a big deal made out of his birthday, and that he doesn't want it now. Couldn't you sense that he didn't want to talk about it?"
"Well, yeah, but I didn't understand why...and I still don't for that matter. We've taken Harry away from that old life...to start new, he deserves a good party, and I'm going to give him one!"
"Sirius, listen to me, it's NOT a good idea...he doesn't want one, you'll only upset him."
"He'll have a good time Remus, I know he will."
"And what if he does? Afterwards he's just going to dwell on the fact that he had fifteen birthdays without that...he's going to see what other kids have had all there lives, and he's going to be really sad he missed out on it. I'm not going to let you do this."
"Well we have to celebrate his birthday Moony!" Sirius yelled in exasperation.
"I agree, and we'll do just what he wanted, have a small little 'gathering' here with just us and Ron and Hermione."
Sirius looked highly disappointed. "Sirius, he needs time to adjust to this life, maybe next year we'll throw him a big one...but he's definitely not ready yet, and he obviously doesn't want one."
"Fine Moony, it'll just be us and Ron and Hermione."
"Trust me Sirius, it's for the best."
"I know, but I could have planned the best party! I guess you're right, but we can still go all out with presents right?"
"Yeah, I don't think Harry would mind that."
"We're going to need to do some shopping for him, eh Moony?"
Remus smiled, "Yeah, but I don't know when, full moons coming up in a few days."
Sirius's face darkened. "Oh yeah, I forgot, do you think you'll be okay by Harry's birthday? Should we postpone the 'gathering'?"
"Well, I don't think I'll be at my usual energy level, but I think I can handle a birthday party no problem."
"Good...I hope Harry can handle the full moon, it'll be hard for him I think...it's still hard for me."
"I guess we'll have to wait and see," Remus said darkly. He didn't want to say anything, but was worried about what Harry would think after he heard Remus during a transformation. He feared that Harry would come to see him as what he really was during that one night every month, a monster.
The days before the full moon passed in a flurry, as Remus and Sirius, and even Sorai began to prepare for Harry's birthday, they got him so many presents, Dudley would have been jealous. Harry, of course, had no idea what was going on and was expecting his usual five or so presents, yet he was for once looking forward to the big day. However, the night of the full moon put quite a damper on his good mood.
At around seven o'clock, Remus left the main part of the house and went down to the large basement, a place where Harry had never been. Sirius explained that it was completely safe for the rest of them, as Remus securely locked a number of doors well before the transformation began. There were also plenty of things the wolf could take his aggression out on without hurting himself. After he solemnly went down the stairs and began shutting doors, Harry and Sirius started up a game of chess. When the game finally ended, night really began to set, and the mood darkened considerably. "Lets watch some television, shall we?" Sirius asked nervously.
"Sure," Harry said shrugging. They began watching some funny movie on TV in complete silence, neither really laughing at the jokes. Where laughter should have been, a loud howl came from the basement. Sirius bit his lip but otherwise showed no sign that he heard the howl, Harry on the other hand looked shaken at the sound, but continued to watch the TV as well. Every now and then, more howl's came, as well as loud rips and bangs, as the wolf tore things a part and hit the cement walls.
"Sirius?" Harry asked timidly. "Why didn't he take that Wolfsbane Potion?"
Sirius sighed and went to sit on the couch with Harry. "Wolfsbane is really hard to make, neither I nor Remus can do it, and since he no longer works at Hogwarts, he can't have it at his fingertips, so he has to suffer through this."
"Oh," Harry replied sadly and flinched as he heard Remus hurling himself against a wall. "Is he going to be okay? It sounds awful."
"Yeah, he'll be okay, he's been through this enough. He'll be bruised, scratched and exhausted, but he'll be alright."
They watched the rest of the TV movie in silence, loud interruptions from the basement happening now and then. Harry got used to the noises, however, and fell asleep on the couch, leaning heavily against Sirius who had also fallen asleep.
Sirius woke the next morning and gently pushed Harry off of him and laid him on the couch. He then went to the basement stairs and pulled open the doors until he reached Remus, laying sprawled face first on the cold cement floor. He walked over to him and knelt down, putting a hand on Remus's back and gently shaking him awake. "Moony," he said softly. "Moony, wake up." Remus slowly came back to reality with severe grimaces of pain. Sirius helped him roll onto his back so he could sit up. Every moment he made was followed by a sharp intake of breath or a hiss of pain.
Sirius grabbed Remus around the waist and pulled him into a standing position. He pulled one of Remus's arms over his neck, and tried to support the rest of his body as they walked toward the stairs. "C'mon Moony, you can do it buddy. We need to get you up to bed. You need to rest." Remus nodded tiredly.
"That was a really bad one, Padfoot," he croaked.
"I know, I heard. Do you want me to join you down here for the next one?"
Remus shook his head firmly. "You need to be up here for Harry."
"I guess," Sirius said skeptically, Remus never seemed to want to have anyone there with him, despite the fact that it made the transformation and the recovery easier. Sirius didn't understand why he was like that.
Harry woke that morning to hear heavy footsteps on the stairs. He looked around and saw Sirius emerge at the top of them, practically carrying an exhausted looking Remus. Harry jumped to his feet in shock. Remus lolled his head up and looked Harry sadly in the eyes. He didn't want Harry seeing him like that. Harry just stood there, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. Remus looked down again at the floor, it took far too much energy to keep his head up high. "I'm sorry you have to see this Harry," he mumbled before Sirius steered him to the next flight of stairs.
Harry followed behind them, "I'm sorry to Remus, I'm sorry you have to go through that." He saw Remus's shoulders slump and his head nod sadly. Harry watched them disappear up the stairs and then sat back down on the couch in shock. After five minutes or so, Sirius came trotting back down the stairs. "So there you have it, Harry. That's his life."
Harry nodded sadly. "I can't believe that...he looked-awful. It's always been that bad for him?"
"Yeah, it has. But don't worry, he'll be fine in a couple of days, he's done it before."
"Is there anything we can do for him?"
Sirius smiled, "No, not really. We just have to be here for him to help him when he needs it. Moony and I have been through this together a lot, so don't worry about it, we can handle everything."
Harry nodded, "Well I'll help if you need me to...just ask."
"I will Harry, but don't stress yourself out over this, we're both used to it, its no big deal anymore, alright?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "I think I'm going to go take a shower."
"Good plan...I'll start breakfast, it won't be as good as Moony's but I'll do my best not to scorch anything.
Harry grinned and disappeared up the stairs. He passed Remus's bedroom, though, and slowed down. Stopping in front of the door, Harry thought about what he should do. He didn't know why, but he wanted to help Remus, he couldn't stand seeing his former professor like that and wanted to make him feel better. Slowly, he peered through the half shut door and saw Remus wrapped in piles of blankets, yet still shivering in his bed. Harry stepped softly into the room, walked up to Remus's bed, and looked down at the exhausted man, thinking he was asleep. Harry noticed a big bruise on Remus's cheek, and stuck his hand out to gently touch it.
Suddenly, Remus grabbed Harry's wrist tightly and mumbled through chattering teeth, "Harry, what are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry...I wanted to see if there was anything I could do to help," Harry said in a panic.
"There's nothing you can do Harry, there's nothing anyone can do. Until they decide to make Wolfsbane in a bottle, I'm going to have to go through this once a month," he muttered bitterly.
"Are you sure there's nothing...nothing I can do?"
Remus nodded dully. "Just do your usual thing Harry...I'll be fine. I just need to sleep...if only I could get to sleep."
"I'm sorry I'm keeping you up, I'll go now," Harry mumbled guiltily.
"No, Harry it's not your fault...I was having trouble sleeping before you came in here. But I do think you should go now, I'm not going to get any rest talking to my favorite kid," Remus said in the nicest way possible. He didn't want Harry to feel unwelcome, but didn't like having him there at that moment at all.
Harry nodded, understanding completely. "Yeah, I'll just go take a shower. I hope you feel better."
"Thanks Harry...I love you."
"Love you too," Harry said before leaving the room.
Despite his pain, Remus smiled to himself, content with everything in his life, except of course his current condition.
Harry took his shower, got dressed and then dragged his old chair downstairs. He still had trouble walking long distances, but no longer needed the chair at all. He brought it to the living room and left it there as he went to see Sirius in the kitchen.
"Hey Harry," Sirius greeted from the stove where he was rather unsuccessfully trying to make fried eggs. They looked more like scrambled.
"Hey. You sure you don't want me to make breakfast? I had lots of practice at the Dursley's."
"No, that's okay, I'm doing fine here...I don't want you to do anything here that you had to do there."
"It's really no problem Sirius, I actually like cooking...always have. If it weren't for Snape I'd probably like potions a lot better too."
"Well, if you think you could do a better job then me then go right ahead...I'll just throw these away," Sirius said, pointing to his fried/scrambled mess.
He did just that and then Harry set out to make ham and cheese omelets. "Is Sorai going to eat with us?"
"No, I think she's working today, I don't know and I don't care, as long as I know she's living in a safe place I'm not going to worry. She's always been one to do her own thing...that's why you don't see her around that much."
"Oh...should I make something for Remus?"
Sirius shook his head, "He usually can't hold down anything the day after the full moon, so it's pointless to even try."
"Okay," Harry said and then finished making two omelets and toast and brought it all to the table. Sirius dug right in and then stared surprised at Harry.
"This is the BEST omelet I have had in my life! Harry, you cook better than Remus...the DURSLEY'S taught you that?"
Harry looked embarrassed. "I wouldn't say they taught me...they'd get really...er...angry if what I cooked wasn't good enough so I had to improve. I used to sneak out at night and watch cooking shows so I could do a better job."
"Well I guess something about staying at the Dursley's was good for you...I bet you would do better in potions if it weren't for Snape...potion making and cooking go hand in hand...this is great Harry."
"Why's it so great?"
"Well, both Remus and I are hopeless at making potions...but maybe you're better than us both. Maybe you could make the wolfsbane for Rem...we could get you all the ingredients."
Harry's face lit up at the prospect of finally being able to give back to Remus after he had done so much for him. "I'd love to try it but...what if I screwed up? Couldn't that be really dangerous?"
"There's nothing that goes into the Wolfsbane that's really deadly, if you screw it up, it just won't work properly, so we'd take the necessary precautions. If you'd be willing, I'll bring it up with Remus when he's feeling better."
Four days later, Harry's fifteenth birthday, Remus was feeling much better, but the topic of Wolfsbane Potion had left everyone's minds. They all woke early that day, and even Sorai stuck with the crew for the days events. Ron and Hermione both arrived at around ten o'clock in the morning and the birthday gathering began. They first went outside and played a pick-up quidditch game. Hermione was the worst quidditch player Harry had ever seen, but he was surprised to see how good Ron had gotten. Harry decided then and there that he was going to get him on the team this year. They played until nearly four o'clock and went inside to get cake and open Harry's presents.
The whole crew was sitting around the table as Sirius brought in the cake, when the doorbell rang. Sirius rushed through the birthday song and placed the cake in front of Harry, and the doorbell rang again. "Quick, Harry make a wish."
Harry did and then blew out the candles. He wished that for once in his life, everything would start to go right. Sirius took a few quick pictures and then went to get the door. Everyone was curious as to who it could be, and quieted down to listen. "Is Remus J. Lupin here?" a very formal voice inquired.
"Yes," they heard Sirius mutter very darkly, and wondered what could make Sirius so angry so quickly.
"Take me to him," the voice said.
Sirius came through first, his face as white as could be. He was soon followed by a man in dress robes, robes quite similar to the ones the men who took Sirius away wore. He stepped up to Remus, who stood at being approached. "Are you Remus J. Lupin?"
"Yes, I am," Remus said firmly.
"You are under arrest by the ministry of magic for aiding a criminal and withholding information from the ministry. You will be taken to the ministry now, where you will be given a trial. Do you understand the charges being brought against you?"
Remus nodded, appearing brave, but Harry knew otherwise, Remus was terrified. The ministry official said, "It's time to go, say your goodbye's, I'll be outside." Harry was surprised to see this coming from a ministry official. He hadn't expected any acts of kindness at all. Perhaps he thought it was unfair that Remus was being charged with this, maybe there was hope for Remus. They'd know soon enough. Remus first went and said his goodbye to Sorai, who looked ready to cry. He then went and embraced Sirius and said some things to him that Harry couldn't hear. He then gave Ron and Hermione hugs, and they wished him good luck. Now, he stepped up to Harry.
"I'm so sorry Harry...on your birthday and all. Please forgive me."
"It's not your fault Remus, you don't deserve this...you didn't do anything wrong."
"I know, but you've had so few great days...this was supposed to be one of them, and look what I've turned it into."
"It's okay, really. Don't think about it, just make sure you win your trial, okay?"
Remus nodded and grinned slightly at Harry before pulling him into a big hug. "Goodbye, Harry."
"Bye, Remus," he whispered before watching Remus walk out the door. After the door shut, nobody said a word. Harry returned to his seat and everyone looked from one to the other in very uncomfortable silence.
"Well," Sirius finally said, a tremor in his voice. "Moony would want the party to continue...lets eat cake." He cut the cake and handed everyone a piece. No one, not even Sirius finished a whole piece.
"Time for presents," Sirius said when they all finished what they would of their cake. He tried to keep an upbeat mood, but failed miserably. No one was in the right state to be happy. Harry loved all his presents, but knew he would have loved them more had Remus been there. He was shocked to see the number of presents he received, and liked them all. He got tons of clothes, books, wizard games, new stuff for his room, a few movies, and his own set of quidditch balls, as well as various other odds and ends. When he thought all the presents had been opened, he was actually relieved. He could then end the party and have a little alone time, which he needed after the days events.
Harry was about to get up from the table, when Sirius said, "Wait, sit back down, there's more."
"More?!" Harry asked, exasperated.
Sirius nodded and grinned sadly. "This was Remus's best present for you, I'd save it for his return, but that really wouldn't work out too well." Sirius then left the room and came back carrying something very large that had a sheet over it. He set it gently on the floor next to Harry. "Okay, open it."
Harry grabbed the sheet and pulled it off and then breathed sharply. Lying curled in a wicker basket was a tiny golden retriever puppy. Harry's face lit up when he saw it, he looked like he was going to say something, but didn't. He was speechless. He picked the puppy up and held it in his lap as he started petting it. "What's his name?" he asked.
"That's up to you, Harry?" Sirius said grinning.
"What's Remus's middle name...J...?"
"Same as yours actually. Remus James Lupin."
"Really? Well then his name is James..." Harry said trailing off as he looked down at the puppy. He didn't know why, but the present meant a lot to him. A dog is said to be man's best friend, and Harry had always wanted one for just that reason, and now he had one that was just his.
"Remus seemed to think I wasn't a good enough pet dog for you...that you needed your own, and I think he was right. Now, dogs aren't usually allowed at Hogwarts, but we cleared it with Dumbledore, so you can take James here with you anywhere you want to go."
"Nice," Harry said, mesmerized by the dog, who seemed just as taken with Harry. The puppy put its little paws on Harry's chest and tried to lick his face. Harry laughed gently. "Thanks...thanks for everything Sirius...Sorai, Ron, Hermione."
"Anytime," Sirius said, and the others nodded.
"I think we should be going," Hermione said knowingly to Ron. Ron looked like he didn't want to go, but nodded his head anyway, he knew Harry would want to be alone after what happened. Sirius got up and led everyone to the fireplace.
"Bye, Hermione, thanks for coming," Harry said, giving her a hug.
"No problem Harry, I hope everything works out, Happy Birthday." Harry grinned at her and then turned to Ron.
"Thanks Ron, see you later," Harry said, looking sadly at Ron.
"Bye Harry, Happy Birthday...come get me if you need me, okay man?"
Harry nodded and they again shared a man hug. "Bye guys," Harry said as they both went through the fireplace to their respective houses.
Harry sighed deeply when they left. He again thanked Sirius and then took his puppy and presents up to his room. To think. He laid down on his bed with James, and thought, "So much for that birthday wish."
And there you have it, so you can all stop asking what's going to happen to Remus...actually I still haven't told you...next chapter you'll find out. I really can't say whether or not the next chapter will take a while, I can only think of two absolutely open days coming up for a while, but it might all work out and who knows, maybe my teachers will lay off and I'll be able to have one by the weekend!