Never fall in love with a Werewolf

Author's Note Wow! Thank you all for the reviews! I'm dead chuffed, it's the only thing that has cheered me up since, well that rather un-timely death of our beloved Padfoot…. Well, enjoy the next chapter as I've had shed many tears writing it! And thank you all again for the reviews! As a writer, it's wonderful to know people are reading your work and enjoying it, always pushes those endomorphines, plus, it gives me something positive to do before I go to College and get my GCSE (The Muggle OWLS to you non Brits!) results!! Wish me good luck! Anyway, enough of my rambling, back to the story!!

Chapter Two - Such is a way to the stars

"Ready Remus?" Tonks asked, straightening her plain black hat, and dusting her black dress adorned with black jewels.

"Oh, yes. I think so." Remus looked at himself in the mirror and pulled himself into his full height. "What time is it Tonks?"

"Erm," Tonks looked at her wrist watch, "Half past two."

"Good, I want to talk to Harry before the service begins." Remus looked gravely at his black shabby robes. "I wish I could at least have better robes for Sirius."

"Don't worry about it, you look," Tonks paused, as if to ponder her answer, "fine, just fine. Right lets be off!" And with that, they both Apparated to Hogsmead with a bang and a crack.

*

Shivering slightly at the sight of Hogwarts where Sirius's memorial service was to be held, the place where he was happiest… Remus gave the towering turrets one sorrowful look, and turned around to face the lush Scottish countryside south of Hogwarts. He stared into the carpet of green, and remembered when he first came to Hogwarts, scared like a mouse, but willing to prove that werewolves were not vicious, foolish people… He didn't want Dumbledore to think he was incapable of studies once at Hogwarts, he wanted to make Dumbledore proud, and make sure the newly build Shrieking Shack, tunnel leading to it, and of course the newly planted Whomping Willow hadn't been a waste. Later on in his life at Hogwarts, he discovered that academic studies doesn't make a wizard, but the choices me make.

"Remus?" A man's voice reverberated around his head, bringing him to his senses. "Are you OK there?" Remus turned around and saw Arthur and Molly Weasley looking fatigued and concerned.

"Oh I'll be alright." Remus smiled at them appreciatively, he shook Arthur's hand, however, when he went to shake Molly's hand, she pulled him into a motherly cuddle.

"Now you see here Remus, you go over to Harry and be the adult he needs to look up too." Molly said, letting go of Remus. "You two have both lost someone dear to you, and you knew James awfully well, Harry would appreciate it, Remus dear." She nodded over to a group of three by the gates to Hogwarts, Harry slightly separated from Ron and Hermione. Harry was leaning on the wall his arms folded his face determined and resolute. "He has said two words to Arthur and I ever since he came to us last week. That was 'Hi' and 'Mmm'." Remus glanced over at Harry and then back to Molly.

"That's what Tonks said, but I don't think I'm convinced. Harry would think I was trying to replace Sirius, I know he would, Harry's defensive like that."

"Well, I think you ought to anyway Remus." Remus wasn't in the mood to argue with Molly Weasley, he merely shrugged his shoulders and began to walk over to Harry.

*

The Great Lake shimmered like diamonds, as the friends of Sirius made their way to the area by the lake where the Memorial Ceremony was to be held. Dumbledore stood by the lake gazing silently leaning on a knobbly golden walking stick, he appeared to be lost in thought. A bitter breeze was blowing, making Dumbledore's silver beard blow out behind him.

"Professor?" Remus walked over to him, his head hanging low.

"Ah, Remus." Dumbledore smiled gravely at Remus. "I was hoping to see you before the Ceremony starts. It's about Harry."

"Isn't it always? Why can't he be given a break, just for once?"

"His destiny doesn't allow him to." Dumbledore sighed heavily and finally turned to face Remus. "But that doesn't mean he can't. Now that Sirius has gone on another adventure," Dumbledore waved his right hand impatiently "Harry is going to need someone-"

"I know Albus, Tonks, Molly and Arthur have already said. I keep on debating it over and over in my head, Harry wouldn't want someone like me."

"And why ever not, Remus?"

"Isn't it obvious? Once a month I just so happen to turn into a werewolf, I wasn't appointed as Godfather to Harry, James had his reasons-"

"Remus. Listen to me, Harry cares for you, you are the nearest thing he has to a father. I am too old and feeble to help him through the next two years, whereas you can." Remus didn't know what to say, Dumbledore was telling him to be Harry's mentor, his father figure. Remus had just told Harry he'd be there for him all the time, but, maybe just maybe, Harry did need him… Remus began to walk back up the slope, leaving Dumbledore to his own thoughts and musings. Tonks waved at him, and he caught her dark eyes.

*

As the service was about to start, the crisp Scottish wind grew stronger making everyone's robes billow out behind them. Harry was standing in-between Ron and Hermione, holding a small bunch of white lilies in his small hands. The rest of the Weasleys were huddled together looking awfully downhearted and pale. To their right stood the members of the Order (minus Snape). Remus stood on his own, opposite Harry, who was staring at him determinedly.

Everyone said something equally wonderful about Sirius, Remus added a memory of his own that raised a few smiles. He thought, Sirius would be rather annoyed if there wasn't a bit of laughter at his own funeral, with an awful pang in his chest, he smiled thinking of what Sirius's reaction to no one laughing at his own. Harry said something about how Sirius never gave up hope, and as he said it, he placed the bouquet of white lilies in the lake, a note attached saying "I'll see you three on the other side. Love Harry, your son."

Yet another pang got Remus, he remembered James and Lily, how they never cried, how they always laughed…

"Sirius," Dumbledore started his speech, Remus looked up at the old man. "Sirius was a light that darkness could not overpower, he was determined, a man of hope. He was innocent, he died for his Godson, and he would have done for his friends. Let us never forget him. Sirius Black." Dumbledore hung his head and dropped an Iris into the lake. He watched it float a good few metres before turning around again.

The Order, the Weasleys and Hermione left Harry and Remus on their own by the lake following the ceremony. "Harry?" Remus bent down so he could be at the same height as him. Harry looked into Remus's soft blue eyes, Harry's eyes were still dry, and brilliant green as ever.

"Yes?" Remus swallowed and put his hands on Harry's shoulder.

"I want you to know, that I will always be here for you, no matter what. If you're feeling down about something, or just want someone older to talk to, just send me a letter, or use the good ole Floo Powder if you're at the Burrow or here." Harry nodded defiantly. "I know I'll never be able to replace Sirius, no one will ever be able to, but, I loved Sirius as much as you did, just don't forget I'm here eh?" And with that, Remus turned around and saw Tonks standing on a hill in the distance, one arm folded, and the other wiping her face, her silk robes whirling around her dramatically…