Disclaimer: I cant be bothered disclaiming every chapter, if you do not realise you are reading FAN FICTION you need serious help. No further disclaimers will be given, nor should they be necessary. It is after all a fan fiction website.
AN: I am writing this as a bedtime story for my nieces and nephew. They are addicted to Harry Potter and got me interested in the books about a year ago. I have labeled it PG-13 as I have noticed some other authors being given grief for underestimating their ratings but it would be fairly safe to give it a G rating. The Cub, Pup, Bambi idea came from someone elses fan fic, I cant remember which one, if it is yours email me and I will give you the credit you deserve.
Review responses will be at the bottom of the page.
"Will you do the honours," Lupin asked as they walked out of the Leaky Cauldron, "Do you remember how to do it, I know it has been a few years since your last visit here."
"Three up, two across" Harry tapped the brick with his wand and the portal into Diagon Alley appeared.
It had been three years since he had last visited the wizarding worlds main commercial district, as they walked into the alley it appeared as if nothing had changed, even though it was still early the street was slowly filling with the bustle of shoppers and the sounds of spruikers and salesmen trying to make a deal. Harry took a deep breath, you could smell the atmosphere, almost taste the sights and sounds that lay before you. Considering that the Ministry had admitted to Voldemorts return just a few short weeks beforehand most people didnt appear to show any concern. Harry raised a questioning eyebrow at Lupin.
Knowing immediately what he meant Lupin answered, "The community still hasn't really seen any sign of Voldemorts return, thats the only reason I have brought you here without a full guard. Since that night in the Ministry there has been no activity from the Deatheaters. Fudge has convinced people that although the threat is real, and that yourself and Dumbledore had been telling the truth about everything all along, the ministry is in control of the situation and that they have nothing to fear."
"But what will happen when Voldemort does strike again?"
"We hurt him badly that night, we removed six of his top deatheaters and stopped him from getting his hands on the prophecy. Our sources tell us that he has had to scrap a few of the plans that he had, and that we have bought oursleves a few crucial months of preparation time before we see any major activity again. All we can do is ready ourselves as best we can, and hope that Dumbledore can convince Fudge to stay out of the orders way, assisting us where he can with the Aurors and Hit Wizards."
"Will it be enough?"
"Probably not, but it will be the best we can do, look both you and I know that we are experiencing the calm before the storm and that the lack of preparation by the general public is going to lead to many injuries and deaths that could have been avoided, however Fudge will not do anything to cause a panic as he feels that it may harm him politically. He is, as always, more concerned with his own popularity rather than the safety of his constituents.All we can do is try as hard as we can to keep the injury count as low as possible, but this isn't really the best location for discussing this, we will talk about it later tonight if you like. I will fill you in on as much as I can."
"Thanks." Harry felt a swell of gratitiude towards the older man. Finally no sugar coating, no teasers of information, just plain facts. "Where to first?" he asked.
"Gringotts first stop, we will take some money from my account and then to Madam Malkins to get your clothes."
"I have plenty of money in my vault, we don't need to use that money"
"Harry, Sirius had transferred the money to my account to be spent on both you and the renovations to the house. Let me use it as he wanted."
"Alright, but only if you agree to get some new robes and shirts for yourself as well."
"I dont need new robes" blustered Lupin
"Agree"
"I won't take charity"
"It's not charity, agree"
"I don't want..."
"AGREE" Harry turned with an annoyed expression on his face. "Moony, in the next few weeks we are going to have to appear in front of the ministry, the courts and the media for both Sirius' clearance and my custody hearing. If you won't accept the clothes as a gift from me and Sirius, accept them as a tool needed to win the case. If you appear looking like you don't have two sickles to rub together it will hurt my chances of avoiding Fudges wardship, whether Dumbledore acknowledges me or not. For my sake, get some new clothes, please?"
"Ok, but Im doing this against my will"
"Thats alright, just as long as you do it, besides we are going to see Hermione and Tonks later"
"And what do you mean by that" a faint blush appearing on Lupins cheeks.
"Oh nothing, I just noticed how quickly you suggested a visit when I said I wouldn't mind speaking to 'Mione about what is going on at the moment, since you don't know Mr or Mrs Granger I figured the one you really wanted to see was Tonks," with a cheeky grin he added "and judging by your face right now I can see I was right"
"I'm afraid I have no idea what you are talking about" they strolled into Gringotts, emerging 15 minutes later with their money bags bulging with gold.
Harry's face had a stunned expression on it, "When you said Sirius had transferred a stash to your vault I wasn't expecting it to be quite so large"
"The Blacks were one of the wealthiest wizarding families in Britain. What you saw there was what was leftover from the inheritance Sirius received from his Uncle, the actual Black Family Vaults themselves contain fifty times that amount." Lupin grabbed Harry by the shoulder, turning him to look him in the eye. "Harry, between what Sirius is leaving you, the Potter Family Trust your parents left you, the vault you use just being one of five similar vaults and also what you stand to inherit as Dumbledore's only heir you will possibly be the richest man in Britain."
"I would trade it all to have my parents and Sirius back with us" Harry sighed
"I know you would, but what you have to think about is the good things you will be able to do with this money in their names, or rather the bad things that the Malfoys and Lestranges could do."
"I know, when the time comes I'll accept the provisions of his will, but that doesnt have to mean I will do it with a smile on my face."
"No you don't have to like it, you just have to live with it, besides," he said with a grin "money certainly makes unhappiness more comfortable"
"True" Harry laughed, "Now lets get this over with, the sooner we get this done, the sooner you can see Tonks"
"Oi, thats enough of that lip from you young cub"
"Young cub?, You've called me that a few times" Harry asked as they walked along the alley.
"Well when you were born we couldnt agree on a nickname for you, since I was a wolf I called you cub, Sirius called you pup and your dad called you Bambi. Your mother point blank refused to let us call you pronglet like we wanted, You don't mind it do you?"
"No, I quite like it actually, it beats Freak and Boy like the Durselys used to use"
"Well if all goes to plan you won't ever have to hear from them again" Lupin opened the door to Madam Malkins.
"Mr Potter, Mr Lupin, I haven't seen either of you for such a long time, and may I add Mr Potter that I always believed in both you and Professor Dumbledore." gushed Madam Malkin.
Harry, a little overwhelmed at the greeting nodded shyly "Thanks"
"So what can I do for you two gentlemen today"
"Harry here nears an entire wardrobe, apart from his old school things, which we will worry about replacing next month, he has absolutely nothing that fits him"
"Yes, I can see that" she eyed his over sized t-shirt and shorts distastefully
"He would like three sets of casual robes, two sets of dress robes, three pairs of casual trousers, 2 pairs dress trousers, as well as dress shirts, and casual shirts you know the drill. He will also need a pair of Dragon Hide boots as well as a pair of plain black leather dress shoes" Lupin was enjoying himself immensely.
"Mr Lupin would like to order the exact same items as myself please Madam Malkin, and could you please add a black dragon hide cloak for both of us." Harry stuck his tongue out at the grimacing man. "May I also add that money is no object"
"Well if thats the case could I suggest that you spend a little extra and allow me to make them for you out of a new material that will automatically increase or decrease in size to appear custom tailored for the wearer. The spells used are guaranteed to last for the lifetime of the clothing."
"Madam Malkin, that would be brilliant"
"Mr Potter, Mr Lupin, if you could step this way please"
Stepping into the back of the shop Madam Malkin and her staff made quick work in taking Harry and Remus' measurements.
"If you gentlemen would now like to choose some colours and patterns"
"No no, we will leave that to your expert eye. We shall come back in two hours or so to collect them, will that be enough time?" Lupin really was enjoying this whole experience.
"Not a problem at all. They will be waiting here for you when you get back."
Exiting the shop Harry asked "so what do we do for the next two hours?"
"Well I figured we could use this time to go into Muggle London and get you some casual muggle clothing Unless there is somewhere else you would rather go first.."
"I wouldn't mind getting some new glasses, is there somewhere in Diagon Alley I can get them or will we get them from a muggle store?"
"No no, Eagle Eye Optometry is just across the street near Flourish and Blotts."
Walking into the optometrists Harry was greeted like a long lost family member by the resident specialist. "Oh my goodness, its Harry Potter, Mr Potter I just want to thank you for the help you gave my son last year with Defense Against the Dark Arts. It gave him so much more self confidence."
"Not a problem at all. What was your son's name?"
"Anthony Goldstein, he said you had a tutoring session regularly for anyone who wanted assistance since that Umbridge woman wouldn't teach any practical lessons."
"Aaaahhh Anthony, yes he studied hard and did very well. Do you know Remus Lupin, he would have taught Anthony DADA a few years ago, he was the one who inspired me and taught me a lot of what I know."
"A pleasure to meet you Professor, Anthony told me all about you, he said you were the best DADA teacher the school had ever had, it was a shame that they won't have you back again this year."
"Thank you for you kind words, but we never know what the future may hold." Said Lupin cryptically.
Harry Looked at him quizzically.
"Not now, I'll fill you in when I know more myself" Lupin tapped the side of his nose with his forefinger.
Harry nodded to show he understood, "Mr Goldstein, I need some new glasses and I was wondering if you could show me what you have in stock"
"Well Mr Potter.."
"Call me Harry, please"
"Ok, Harry, we have a new range of wizarding glasses, once you put them on they will disappear from view until you remove them again yourself. They wont fall off and you wont feel like you are wearing them at all, you can even sleep with them on, although I wouldn't suggest showering or swimming with them."
"Fabulous, I'll take a pair"
"Ok, put them on and look at this sign, let me know when it all comes into view."
Harry put on the glasses which promptly seemed to disappear into his skin. Facing towards the sign he stared at it while Mr Goldstein fiddled with a handle at the side. "I can see it" Harry said.
"Righto then, if you could remove the glasses for me for just a second"
"How?"
"Just like you would an ordinary Muggle set of glasses"
Harry quickly removed the glasses, handing them to Mr Goldstein who tapped them a few times with his wand, muttering a charm under his breath.
"Here we go" he said handing Harry back his glasses, "try them now."
"Perfect!" Harry exclaimed, "Now how much do I owe you"
"Well I will give them to you for nothing if you will just tell anyone who asks that you got them from me, you see they are a new invention of mine and not yet widely publicised"
"Are you sure, I don't mind paying and doing that as well."
"No Harry, between the business you will generate for me, plus the help you gave my son last year, your money is no good in here."
"Well thank you very much Mr Goldstein, and say hello to Anthony for me" Harry shook his hand
Walking out of the shop Harry turned to Lupin "Muggle London now?"
"Ok, lets do it" they walked quickly back into the Leaky Cauldron, Lupin transfiguring his shabby robes into an equally shabby pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
"Looks like we better get you some more things as well" Harry commented.
"Alright alright, I have learnt better than to argue with you. Honestly, your worse than your father and Sirius combined"
Harry grinned at this. Entering the street outside the Wizards Pub they wandered up the road keeping a careful eye out for any sign of trouble. Making their way into a Menswear store they bought everything they could possibly need.
"Laden down with shopping bags Lupin looked at his watch "Perfect timing, we will make it back to the Leaky Cauldron with time for a quick Butterbeer before we collect our things from Madam Malkins and head home for lunch."
Harry, now wearing a brand new pair of jeans and a t-shirt, having thrown his old things in the bin at the shop, smiled "and then off the see Tonks and 'Mione"
"You aren't going to drop that are you cub" asked Lupin. "You seem fairly keen to see 'Mione as well"
This time it was Harry's turn to blush, "I don't think of Hermione that way thank you very much, she is my best friend"
Lupin quirked an eyebrow, "keep telling yourself that enough and you will believe it"
Harry thought to himself "Why does everyone think 'Mione and I have a thing for each other. First Krum, then Cho last year, now Remus. I don't think of her like that, at least I think I don't"
Reaching the Leaky Cauldron Remus opened the door, the bar had slowly filled throughout the morning. Everyone turned to look at the new arrivals "Its Harry Potter" someone gasped. Pretty soon everyone in the place was whispering his name and clamouring around trying to look at him, if not shake his hand.
"I always believed you Mr Potter", "I wrote an letter to the editor of the Prophet about what they were saying last year", "Harry....Mr Potter......thankyou" soon the platitudes all seemed to run together.
"PEOPLE, THATS ENOUGH" the voice of Tom the publican could be heard loud above the crowd. "PLEASE LEAVE MY CUSTOMERS ALONE OR ELSE I WILL ASK YOU TO LEAVE" Gradually the crowd evaporated allowing Harry and Lupin to take a seat at the bar.
"Thanks Tom" Harry smiled weakly, "All that is a bit much before lunchtime"
"A couple of Butterbeers please Tom" Lupin said with a wry grin.
"Certainly gentlemen, they are on me."
Sipping on his drink Harry muttered "usually the only run in I have here is with one of the Malfoy's"
"I dont think that will be a concern this year Harry, with Lucius in prison, and all his assets frozen, the Malfoy's currently haven't got 2 knuts to rub together. I am not even sure where they are staying, but I can ssure you they won't be shopping" Lupin grinned.
"Maybe he won't be as arrogant this year"
"I wouldn't bet on it, Harry, promise me you will be careful this year, especially around the Slytherins, after the events of last year some of them will hold a grudge against you and your friends. We managed to keep everyone else's name out of the paper, but unfortunately they knew you were there."
"I promise"
"Cmon, drink up, we will get our robes and head home for lunch"
They quickly headed back to Madam Malkins and paid for their purchases. "Do you mind if we use your fireplace, its just that with the crowd in the Leaky Cauldron and young Harry here......."
"Of course Mr Lupin, the floo powder is in the jar on the mantle"
"Just say Headquarters Harry" Lupin said taking a handful of powder.
A few seconds later Harry found himself back in the lounge room at Grimmauld Place. "I'll just drop these off in my room."
"Harry, that was something else I meant to ask you, you have your choice of two bedrooms, either Sirius' old room, or we have just finished redecorating the master bedroom, where Buckbeak had been staying."
"Um, the master bedroom I think, it would still be too hard for me to stay in his room just now." Harry's good mood was quickly evaporating. "Today has made a huge difference in how I have been feeling, but I'm not ready to face it quite yet."
"I thought that may have been the case. I had Dobby put your things in there when we arrived."
Walking slowly up the stairwell Harry paused outside of Sirius' door. "Soon", he thought to himself, "soon, but not today." wiping a single tear from his eye he continued to the top floor. Opening the door he was not prepared for the opulent splendour inside. The whole room had been painted in a relaxing blue and white scheme. A king sized four poster bed was in the centre of the room against the far wall either side of the bed were two huge bay windows looking out into the backyard, a giant study desk with a comfortable leather chair was in one corner, a sofa and two single seat chairs around an open fire place in another corner. A giant mahogany wardrobe and chest of draws against the other wall, on the opposite side of the room near the desk was a book shelf now filled with Harry's school books and personal library. A door on the other side of the wardrobe caught his eye, opening it he walked into a bathroom almost as big as the prefects bathroom at Hogwarts except without the mermaid (or peeping tom ghost).
With a pop Dobby appeared. "If Master Harry would like to go downstairs for lunch, Dobby will put his new clothes away."
"Ok Dobby, thanks for that." Harry dropped the bags he was still holding and made his way back down the stairs. Entering the kitchen he looked at Moony "That is almost as big as the Dursleys whole house."
"It was the first thing Sirius' did, he wanted you to have your very own room that you could always disappear to if you wanted to be alone."
Harry sat there, a confused look on his face. "Why would he go to all that trouble for me?"
"Harry, I know you feel like its all too much, but your worth it, Sirius thought so, I think so, Dumbledore thinks so, the whole order, except Snivellus, thinks so. I know your relatives made you feel like you were worthless, well to them maybe you are, but Harry I can't stress how wrong they were. To us you are very important. Not the-boy-who-lived, not the tri-wizard champion, not the quidditch player, but you, just plain Harry."
Harry hugged him, "thanks Moony, you don't know how much that means to me"
"I meant every word"
REVIEW ANSWERS
Azntgr01: Thanks for the heads up, I wasn't aware that I couldn't receive anonymous reviews. I have changed it now.
Makatochi: Thanks very much.
Ryusuken: Pegged it in one. No super powers, just plain hardwork and determination.
PottersGurl84: I know it is slow going to begin with, but the pace will pick up. The first 12-15 chapters are introducing plot elements that will come into play in other chapters later on. Bear with me :P