°Chapter Two°
~Wyall Jarad~ Thank you so much, myself and Callie have thought greatly over this story.
~PadfootsAngel1~ Thank you very much! We hope you enjoy the chapter.
~barbarataku~ Yes, we believe that Harry and Remus have so much in common, we just love this fic!
~Elven Warrior 1~ *huge grin* Ditto. Awwww!
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~Heala~ Yes, there aren't many Rem/Harry stories out there, and I think that this one is just precious!
~~~~~~~~~~ Sirius' Choice ~~~~~~~~~~
Remus yawned and snuggled further into the warmth he had come to love upon waking. He rolled over and smiled at the still sleeping form of Harry Potter. Very gently he moved the young man's bangs from his eyes and waited for him to wake. Today was Harry's birthday and Remus couldn't wait for him to wake up, but he didn't want to disturb him.
Over the past couple of weeks Remus had grown more accustom to having Harry around. He still wasn't quite comfortable with a physical relationship, because he still couldn't stop his dreams of Sirius, and he couldn't take off the ring his deceased lover had given him. But none of that mattered, what mattered at the moment was Harry.
Harry felt someone move the hair out of his face and slowly opened his eyes. He grinned at the sight before him.
"Hello Moonchild." He said softly. He reached up and stroked his fingers through the gold hair, smiling as it cascaded down his hand.
"Happy Birthday Harry." Remus said and Harry sat upright. A smile slowly formed on his face which with each day was becoming more and more beautiful.
"Oh my god, I'm 16!" Harry exclaimed. He sat quietly for a moment. "Nope, don't feel any different." He laughed, causing Remus to shake his head and chuckle.
"Ah the days that when you got another year older you were excited." Harry laughed and hugged Remus, burying his nose into the coconut smell of Remus' hair.
Remus grinned at Harry and after a few moments of snuggling, he left the warmth of his bed, and of Harry, and dressed in his usual patched robes. "Oh lord. You are now old enough to learn how to aspirate." The werewolf shook his head. He remembered going to St.Mungo's the night Harry was born. Scary thought.
Harry landed with a soft 'thump' back onto the pillows, his eyes closed and his arms spread.
"Thank Merlin. Walking everywhere can be a pain sometimes." Without Remus sharing the bed Harry felt cold so he sprang up and grabbed his robes. Slipping them on, he looked to the window and caught site of a distant figure flying to the house. Hedwig.
"Hedwig's on her way." Remus smiled and walked downstairs to start breakfast. Harry sat back on the bed and thought back over the last few weeks.
He and Remus had grown closer but the physical aspect of their relationship was mostly none existent. Harry was afraid to ask, not wanting to know the answer and he never asked about the ring that Remus constantly wore. He had long since noticed it but was to afraid to ask
But on a lighter note Harry, not to Remus' knowledge mind, was slowly making the potion and learning the incantations to make one an Animagi. He promised he'd be there for Moony if he changed his mind and so he was preparing should that day come.
----
Remus walked down the stairs to the kitchen of Black Manor and eagerly began breakfast. They were only having a few people over for Harry's birthday, because they all figured Harry would just want some of his closest friends there. So at the present Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville, Dumbledore, and the Weasley gang were going to stop by.
When he felt two arms encircle his waist, Remus immediately knew who it was. With a smile he stepped from the arms.
Harry looked quizzically at the werewolf.
"Why do you pull away Remus?" He asked a little hurt. "Do I do something wrong or are you not telling me something?"
Remus looked a little startled to be asked such a thing so Harry sighed and turned to tidy the table.
"Forget it. Birthday blues." He said, putting a smile on his face but knew it hadn't reached his eyes.
Remus felt a pang in his heart and he hated that he had hurt Harry's feelings. He was just opening his mouth to say something when the door opened and all of Harry's friends came streaming in.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he came to stand by Remus, "Hello, Remus."
The werewolf smiled and nodded, "Dumbledore." He said by way of greeting.
Harry sighed. He loved his friends. He did, but they had _the_ worst timing in the world. Still, he smiled and hugged each friend in turn.
"Harry, you gotta open your presents mate, I want to see your face come on come on." Ron was practically bouncing and Harry couldn't help but laugh.
Harry agreed and all sat themselves around him, except Dumbledore and (with a disappointment) Remus who remained standing. Harry slowly made his way through the gifts, purposely because he knew it wound them up.
"Speed up mate!" Which only caused him to mock cackle evilly.
From Luna he received a model of a 'Snorfcrafle' she had called it, big mole like things, which caused a smile to break out on his face when he caught the twitch in Hermione's eye. From Hermione herself he got a book called "Major curses and counter curses: The book of Aurors" of which he was extremely grateful and hugged her tightly. His dream to be an Auror hadn't dwindled any.
Ron got Harry the "Chudley Cannons" fans yearbook which Harry had smiled and said thank you but sighed when Ron had turned away. The team _really_ did suck.
Neville had given him a set of charka beads to aid meditation, he claimed it might help him against Voldermort entering his mind and Harry had been extremely grateful. He continued like this until he was done with all the presents...except Remus, although he wasn't so sure he was receiving anything.
Seeing that Harry had run out of presents Dumbledore and Remus both laid theirs down, and grinned while they waited for Harry to open them.
Harry was a little stunned at all these presents, having never received so many before. He picked up Dumbledore's first, saying thank you and smiling at the aged man.
He pulled back the neat wrapping and and opened the box inside. His gasped as he pulled out a beautifully decorated jade bowl. Around the edges were ancient and jagged markings, sigils and protective charms. He recognized it instantly as a pensieve.
"Thank you so much sir." He said, and caught the twinkle in Dumbledore's eye.
"My pleasure Harry, although there is a rather selfish reason behind this particular gift. I was rather hoping, "And here his grin grew wider, "that with your own you wouldn't be so tempted to look into mine."
Everyone laughed and Harry blushed, muttering a grinning 'sorry'.
Remus grinned but danced excitedly around. Looking once again like the marauder he was at heart, "Mine next! Mine next!"
Harry laughed at the uncharacteristic childishness that he'd just witnessed, all thoughts of their discussion earlier escaping his mind.
Harry picked up the present whilst Remus maneuvered himself to sit on the edge of the table. Harry read the tag. "From The Moon to his Sun". Harry smiled up at the man before peeling back the metallic blue wrapping. Inside was a long rectangular box and he opened it. He gasped audibly.
Inside nestled against the black velvet was a magnificent pendant. The Black, velvet cord that one tied around your neck faded into the padding making the actual stones stand out brighter. It was circular in shape and it was a gorgeous milky white gem, Moonstone Harry realized, for about a cm in and resting right in the centre was a metallic dark blue gem. Blue tiger's eye. Moon, wolf, representing Remus and Tiger's eye, feline, like Harry was.
Harry looked up with glassy eyes and throwing all restraints stood and hugged Remus.
"Thank you Moony," he said but then whispered so only Remus could hear him, "Thank you my moonchild."
The group all shared smiles to see Harry and Remus smiling and apparently having a good time. "Your welcome my Sun." He whispered, almost inaudible, but it reached Harry's ears.
The two broke the hug and Harry returned to his friends, while Dumbledore turned to Remus, "Well, Remus, we are again in need of a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher"
As Remus placed a cake on the table he nodded, "Again?"
Dumbledore sighed, "Yes, again. Remus will you please come back and teach? You are the only teacher that left that position. The others either died, or their brain was messed with by Voldemort."
The werewolf considered it for a moment. It would allow him to be closer to the Sun. "I'll take it."
Harry laughed at Ron's terrible joke before turning and facing his Love, who currently was facing Dumbledore.
"Here Harry let me help you put this on." Hermione came up behind Harry with the pendant Remus had given him and placed it around his neck, clicking together the silver clasp and letting it fall so that it rested in the hollow of Harry's neck. He reached a hand up to touch it and looked up to find Remus watching him.
Nobody in the room missed this. Remus couldn't stop thinking about beautiful Harry looked and how beautiful he made the pendant look. ("There I go again.")
'Yeah, and your loving every minute of it.' came That voice.
Remus couldn't deny that so he didn't say anything in return to That voice. Instead he looked up at the clock. How the time flies. They had already been there for two hours.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Come on, my students. I have to get you back to your parents before they come after me." With a grin there was a rush to hug Harry and get out the door.
Harry hugged them all automatically but he couldn't help but look at the young werewolf. When everyone had left Harry walked slowly and purposely towards him.
"This is beautiful Moony." He said with a gesture to the elegant talisman. Remus reached up with a smile and pushed the bangs out of Harry's face.
"Let me kiss you Remus."
When Remus did nothing but stand there, Harry gently placed a kiss on the older man's lips. Keeping it short, but meaningful. What he didn't expect was for two arms to encircle his waist, and draw him closer.
The werewolf placed a warm kiss on Harry's mouth, and gently ran his tongue across the Gryffindor's lower lip.
Harry's eyes went huge but then he closed them and opened his mouth to the searching tongue. He had never felt more alive, his very blood pumping with raw energy.
He placed his hands upon the werewolf's chest and felt the thundering life beneath it, in perfect synch with his own.
Remus groaned at the Gryffindor's reaction, but he couldn't get rid of the nagging voice in his mind that kept bringing up Sirius, and how he was betraying him. Needing air, but also needing space to think, he broke the kiss and stared into Harry's emerald eyes. Not sure where to go from there.
Harry caught the look of a war waging behind the amber gaze and placed a quidditch calloused hand upon his cheek.
"One day Remus your going to find you _can_ tell me anything and I promise you I will listen. Until then, take your own pace, I'm willing to wait until your ready to really love me." He said smiling.
Remus smiled and dropped his eyes, "Thank you, Harry." But something still wasn't right, "Harry, why don't you find someone who can really love you? I don't know if I ever can."
Harry felt his heart clench a little but he was going to remain honest.
"Because even if it's one-sided Remus, my heart belongs to you. I'd only be hurting and lying to myself and whoever I ended up with. I'd rather be alone then live a lie."
He pulled his hand away and still held a loving gaze with the other man.
"So there it is."
Remus nervously twisted the ring that was on his finger. Taking odd comfort in the cool metal that had been giving to him as a sign of his former lover's admiration. ("I can't forget about Sirius.")
That voice spoke up, 'No one said forget, but you can make room. I mean there are a few things in here that could go. Like you liking the Chudely Canons, hey that can go and we can move Harry right in!'
Harry watched Remus twist the band of white gold on his finger and noted it wasn't the first time that he had done that.
"Moony..." he hesitated briefly before blundering on," What is that ring? You always fiddle with it when you're nervous?"
Remus' head seemed to sink even lower, and he sighed softly as he looked down at the ring on his finger, "It's a Promise ring from Sirius ... That he would always be here for me." The last part of the sentence was said in a low and quiet whisper, but Harry still heard.
Harry felt himself go cold as he froze. Suddenly Remus' actions all made sense but he felt like weeping as a feeling of guilt came over him. This man, this man he loved and couldn't bare to live without, had belonged to his beloved Godfather. Remus' heart was still with the dark haired wizard and Harry found he couldn't be angry. Instead he mourned both Remus and Sirius.
"You.." his voice cracked a little but he shook his head clearing his throat, "You and Sirius were lovers then?"
The werewolf could feel his throat constrict, and tears welled up in his amber eyes. Not trusting his voice, Remus nodded and felt a heavy pressure in his chest, and he knew that he couldn't take it anymore.
With a sob he fell to his knees. His mind begging and pleaded for Sirius.
Harry dropped down to him and held the blonde to his chest.
"Remus I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that," He felt his own throat hitching as he spoke, tears rolling silently down his cheeks," I wish I could bring him back to you, I want to see you happy but I can't. I'm sorry I went that night, I'm sorry ...please...."
He was now crying just as hard as Remus but still he sat and rocked him gently, alternating his hands in the gold and silver hair. He didn't know what was worse, wishing Sirius was alive and Remus was happy in which Harry would've kept his love silently in his heart due to a strong love for both men or knowing that Sirius was gone, Remus broken and Harry unable to mend him and be with him.
"I'm sorry, it's ok, shhh." He said repeatedly, his voice becoming calmer and steadier as he decided that Remus needed him to be strong right now. He'd ignore the ache in his chest for now, forever
The werewolf clung to Harry, tightly wrapping his arms around the young man's slim body. He didn't know if he could bear the pressure and the ache in his chest, it was just too much. When Remus' sobs finally quieted he yawned, and buried his face in Harry's chest.
Harry continued to stroke the velvet hair and even smiled a little when he felt the elder snuggle into his chest. Even if he couldn't have Remus' heart he'd make sure the werewolf knew that he still had his.
"Do you feel any better Moo.....Remus?" Now didn't seem the time for affectionate names.
Remus cringed when Harry used his real name, instead of Moony, but he nodded against Harry's chest, yawning once more. ("Crying really does take it out of you.") he thought to himself.
Harry smiled and stifled his own yawn. Then a question that now bothered him was forming in his head. What if Remus, who apparently didn't want his love yet, didn't want to share his bed like they had the past few weeks?
"Do you want to have the room to yourself tonight...or do..do you want me there?" he asked, a nervous tilt shaking his voice slightly. He had come to love the feel of being in _those_ arms when he woke and he noticed he hadn't had one nightmare since being there.
Remus thought for a moment. ("I don't want to lead Harry on, when I can't love him the way he needs to be loved.") That was the sole reason that the werewolf pulled away from Harry's warmth and wiped his tears, "Harry, I think it would be best if you slept in your room tonight."
Harry lowered his head so Remus wouldn't see his lip tremble before raising his head again with a gentle smile.
"Ok Moonchild. Sleep well." He lifted the bangs of Remus' fringe from his forehead and placed a gentle lingering kiss there before making his way up to his room.
He opened the door to the dark room, muttering "Lumos" quietly and clicked the door behind him. He fell on his back onto the bed with a sigh. He gazed at the ceiling before pulling out his wand and switching on the wizard wireless on his desktop. A beautiful, elegant tune quietly drifted round his room and Harry felt that the song had been specifically written for him and his moon.
"Night falls I fall And where were you? And where were you?
Warm skin Wolf grin And where were you?
I fell into the moon And it covered you in blue I fell into the moon Can I make it right? Can I spend the night?"
Harry covered his face with his hands and fought off any tears by pressing his palms softly against his eyes.
~*~
Dumbledore stood outside of Number 12 Grimauld Place and placidly placed a lemon drop in his mouth. He grinned in delight as the nice flavor that exploded in his mouth. Without further ado he opened the door and went in.
With twinkle in place the old Headmaster walked through the house and smiled to find Harry in one of the living rooms, fire lit, and reading a book.
"Hello Harry."
Harry looked up from the same sentence he'd been reading for over half an hour and smiled at the aged, but not in heart, wizard.
"Morning Professor. How are you?"
"Fine Harry, but I believe it is I who should ask you." He looked at Harry and Harry wondered not for first time whether the man before him could read minds.
"I'm...dealing sir. I miss Sirius, and I have this.....space that hurts but I'm getting better now thank you."
Dumbledore stepped over and placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. He crouched slightly to look into the boy's eyes.
"It'll hurt less in time, believe me. But I'm afraid that wasn't what I was inquiring. I meant you and Remus." Harry blanched a little but found he wasn't too shocked at the headmaster's observation. He sighed.
"I'm lost Dumbledore," He said quietly as the other man sat beside him," How do you heal someone that won't let themselves be? I..."
He blushed slightly but the white wizard patted his hand as a sign to go on.
"..I love him. I know people think I'm too young to know this but I know. Love isn't all flowers and sunny parks, it hurts too and I feel that.......You probably think I'm a love sick teen huh."
"No Harry, out of all of us I believe that you have the best knowledge of what love _truly_ is. Voldermort is hatred, undiluted and black, but you Harry, you are love. If the emotion was to take a physical form it would be you." He said smiling again.
Harry felt tears tingle at the corner of his eyes and his heart constrict painfully.
"Then why can't he see it? I try to show him but he says I am young and....and he still loves Sirius. I do too but....Oh I don't know, I feel tired and stretched Dumbledore. My head hurts but my heart is worse. I have never felt like this before." He said before he slumped back against the chair as his final energy left him.
Dumbledore gave a sad smile, but his light blue eyes still held their twinkle, "Harry, you will feel this way until Remus comes to realize what you really are."
Harry looked at Dumbledore and arched an eyebrow in confusion, "What I really am?"
The Headmaster smiled, "Yes, but I am afraid I can say no more until I talk to Remus." With an inane smile the ancient wizard left the room and went off in search of the werewolf.
("I wish he would talk so somebody could understand him!") Harry thought and then went back to his book and reading the same sentence.
~*~
"Ah, my dear Remus." Dumbledore almost winced at the dramatic change in the werewolf. Remus had always been pale, on the account of him being a werewolf, but now his features were tired and haggard. He looked like a ship that had been battered against the ocean's angry waves one too many times.
"My dear, Remus, how can you be so blind when your light house sits in the other room?"
Remus frowned, "What do you mean, Albus?"
"What I mean is, haven't you noticed a change in your physical well-being since you stopped Harry from sleeping in your bed." At the man's wide eyes Dumbledore grinned, "Yes, I know about that, and I must say that I highly approve." He paused, "If you have noticed since you two stopped sharing a bed you have grown even thinner and weaker, and if you would cast your eyes upon Harry you would notice the same thing."
The werewolf sighed and placed his head in his hands, "I don't know what to do."
"Listen."
Remus quirked an eyebrow, "Listen?"
Dumbledore sat down across from the werewolf, "Surely you haven't forgotten. When a werewolf's mate dies, and Sirius was your mate, then the werewolf is over come with a terrible and heart-wrenching grief. It is, therefore, the dead mates job to find the werewolf another mate."
'See, I have been trying to tell you the whole time!' came That voice.
The waning man squeaked, "Sirius has been trying to tell me ... about Harry."
Albus beamed, "That's right, and until you tell him and make him your mate the two of you will be miserable."
Remus shook his head, "I can't forget Sirius in that way. I wouldn't feel right being with someone else."
"My dear, Moony, when you take Harry as your mate, Sirius will gladly move over to make room for Harry in your heart. It is not a sin to love again once your mate is dead. You cannot survive without one."
~*~
Harry sat still with the book, which he had come to dub as the Marauder diary. He was slowly mastering the skill of the animagi, still behind everyone's backs, but he still had one problem left. Like the wand chooses the wizard the heart chooses the form. But Harry didn't know what he was, he wasn't a stag like his father, he didn't feel like a canine and he was certainly not a rodent.
He sighed again, the stress from both choosing his form and being separated from Remus was beginning to press harder down on his heart. And what the hell was Dumbledore on about 'what he really was?'
He heard footsteps on the stairway, two sets to be exact, and he hastily hid the diary again.
Dumbledore smiled and bid Harry goodbye, before sweeping out of the house, giving Remus once last look, before aparating.
Remus walked over to where Harry was sitting and for the first time he let his werewolf senses take over. He could smell the shampoo in Harry's hair, it smelled of fresh apples. Then he could smell the scent of Harry himself, a vanilla musk. The two scents were intoxicating to the werewolf, and his eyes shone brightly.
"Hello, Harry." the man took a seat across from the Gryffindor.
"Hello Remus." Harry said, a little hesitance in his voice. "You alright, you seem a little odd?"
He leant forward a little to examine the man but stopped when he caught the look in his eyes. They were sparkling amber right now, like the morning dew glistening on autumn leaves, and Harry couldn't help but feel lost in them.
"Remus?" He asked again as he felt the air shift into an electrical atmosphere.
Remus licked his lips, and took a slightly shaky breath, "Harry, have you ever heard about a werewolf and his mate?" The young man shook his head in confusion and Remus continued, "When a werewolf chooses his mate, his whole heart is put into the bond. Sirius was my mate, and my whole heart was in that bond when it was broken. When a werewolf's mate dies, the werewolf is hounded by grief, and it finds no peace accept when it finds its new mate. The dead mate, Sirius, chooses, and Harry .. it's you."
The room seemed to ripple with the electricity that hung in the atmosphere, and suddenly Remus felt the pressure in his chest lift, and his heart seemed to swell.
'Well, it's about time.' That voice echoed, and then left.
"Wha..what?" Harry asked, his heart beating a mile a minute.
"Sirius wants me, _us_ to be happy Harry, he chose you, and Merlin Harry you don't know how much I wanted this." Remus' voice was getting stronger.
Harry let out a loud relieved sob and smiled. Sirius wanted them together, he wasn't angry, He actually _chose_ Harry for Remus. Harry slowly lifted a hand to Remus' cheek and again let out a laughing sob when Remus actually leant into it.
"Remus....Siri he..he chose but," Harry had to hear this, he had to know," Moony, who do you choose?" He waited, rocking very slightly, almost invisible to the eye, and held his breathe.
Remus' werewolf's instincts were in overdrive at the simple touch that Harry had initiated. The werewolf could feel his heart drinking in every detail about the young wizard, "I want you Harry."
Harry flew into Remus' arms and clung to him before pulling back.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, more than I've ever been." Harry leant into to hug him again, before once again pulling back.
"And you won't pull back and hide and.."
"I'm here to stay Harry, My sun and My night." Harry leant in again and this time he stayed. He breathed him in and caught the scent of cinnamon, forest and nature. Suddenly his eyes flew open.
("I know what I am, Oh my moonchild, I will show you Moony's mate. Just give me time.")
"What made you change your mind, I tried so hard to show you love, to show you I was ready for the wonderful burdens of having a wolf for a lover and now you're..." He smiled and rested his cheek against the paler one. He was very aware of everything, where their bodies met, the weight of the pendant around his neck and the erratic heartbeat of the man before him.
"Harry, I was letting my grief cut off my senses, and I wasn't listening to Sirius. Dumbledore just happened to set me straight." Remus placed a soft kiss on Harry's neck and growled, "The meddling ole codger." When Harry giggled Remus placed his kiss on Harry's checks, forehead, nose, and then he very gently placed a kiss on the young man's lips.
He softly traced Harry's bottom lip with his tongue, and groaned when the Gryffindor opened his mouth. Allowing his tongue to enter and inspect every aspect of Harry's mouth.
Harry's heart thundered against his ribcage as he felt the seeking tongue. He loved Remus more than life itself and here he was, kissing him, acknowledging him as his mate. Harry gripped him tighter and let his soul shatter and cover them both. He knew there would be many who would reject the relationship, he didn't want to think about what his conversation with Mrs Weasley was going to be like, but right now he felt he could take on the world. As though to seal this he deepened the kiss.
He finally pulled back and tangled his fingers into the blonde hair, massaging the scalp lightly.
"I'm your mate." He said quietly, almost telling himself. " Shouldn't this be frightening me more?" He smiled and leant his forehead against the others to look him straight in the eye.
Remus just grinned, looking like the dominant creature that he was, "Harry, you have more courage than anyone I know. You are not afraid to stand up for what you think. You are not afraid to stand up for what or who you believe in, and most importantly not even something as hideous as a werewolf could frighten you."
The werewolf lowered his head and placed a tender, and lingering kiss on the young Gryffindor's neck.
"Remus, you and Moony are _not hideous, I know, I've seen both of you. You were fighting and even then I couldn't take my eyes away." He said, leaning his head against the graying hair. He pulled back and held Remus' face in his hands.
"One day you'll believe me, my melodramatic mate." His heart gave a leap as he said the word and even now it brought a smile to his lips. ("His mate") he thought blissfully.
They sat in each other's arms, Harry was pretty sure Remus was thinking over everything he had said before Harry stood and took Remus' hand, leading him into the kitchen and sitting him into one of the chairs.
"Do you want something to drink Moony? I feel a little dehydrated myself." He said, standing so he was stood with his outer thighs pressed against Remus' inner knees, his hands toying with the short golden silver hair and Remus had his head pressed against Harry's stomach.
("Why are you so negative about yourself Remus? I will show you, just like Sirius did, that you are more beautiful then life, _Both_ Moony and Remus.")
Remus sat and let his senses reel over the touch of his mate, and smell of of his mate. If Harry was a drink the werewolf would have already been drunk. Remus could feel his heart beating quickly, all of Harry excited the werewolf, and he knew that he didn't want something to drink. However, thoughts of his mates well being kept Remus from doing something that he might regret. "No, I'm not thirsty."
"Ok well I'm just going to grab a tea or something ok?" At Remus' nod Harry pulled away and walked over to one of the cupboards, stopping and then smirking at the sense of De'ja vu. He carried on his way and again when he reached for the tea bags his shirt rode up a little. This time he heard Remus chuckle slightly.
Harry turned with a cheeky smile which soon turned into a real one. As he moved around the kitchen he turned the wizard wireless down as background sound. Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" began to twist into the room and Harry watched as Remus tilted his head back.
And it was there, that moment, that Harry realized that this is what his heart had always wanted. He was a simple creature and he wanted the basics of a life. Here he was, making tea, his lover resting in a chair and music was surrounding them both. He wanted to wake up and live his life like this everyday.
Remus had to lay his head back and shut his eyes. Harry was making it awfully hard for him not to run over and pounce on the Gryffindor. Instead, Remus opened his eyes and started counting the tiles on the floor. Anything to distract his eyes from the beautiful figure of Harry Potter.
"Well, Harry, your sixth year at Hogwarts should definitely be interesting. Having your mate as your DADA professor."
Harry chuckled as he walked back other with a steaming cup of tea and settled into Remus' lap gentle as not to spill his drink. He blew it gentle.
"Yeah, wonder what it'll be like though?" He mused, taking a sip of tea and offering it to Remus who finally relented and took a sip. "I mean, Dumbledore already approves so its not like we have to hide it because we'll get in trouble."
Harry stopped again and took another swig. He swallowed and then placed a gentle kiss on Remus' cheek.
"I know the Gryffindor's will be ok though, and to me they're the ones that matter."
Remus kissed the shell of Harry's ear, "Harry, I am going to go ahead and warn you that being the mate of a werewolf is not going to be much fun. There will be times when I will be so protective that I'll insist I have to go with you everywhere, and there will be times when it will be hard for me to let others near you, so I think Dumbledore will excuse the fact if you stay in my chambers."
Harry rolled this prospect over in his head but he only had to look at Remus to know that as long as he was with him he'd handle anything.
"Remus, as long as I'm with you I'll handle the harder stuff. I understand the protection thing and I'll learn to deal Remus."
He leaned in and kissed the blonde. He pulled back and smiling a lop-sided grin, placing his cup of tea on the side.
He turned back and kissed Remus more deeply. He so far hadn't really had the guts to fully take a little control. He pulled away and placed a little kiss as a sort of signature.
"I can handle anything with you Remus."
Remus couldn't take anymore. He hungrily kissed Harry, while wrapping his arms tightly around the younger man's slim body. The werewolf broke the kiss to trail his lips down Harry's neck, and he then began to nibble. When the skin became red Remus licked the agitated skin, cooling it and earning a groan from Harry.
Harry actually felt him shudder. It was amazing and both frightening how that simple touch sent little electric sparks set off in his veins, his chest, his whole body.
"Remus?" He asked, turning both desire and hesitant filled green eyes to him. He wanted this so much it hurt, but he'd only so far kissed Cho and now Remus. He was what one would call the innocent virgin. He rested his forehead against the werewolf's and closed his eyes.
"Take care of me, ok?" He asked quietly.
Remus smiled tenderly at his mate and placed a soft promising kiss on his lips, "That shouldn't be a problem." The werewolf began to hungrily kiss at Harry's exposed neck, and then he picked up the slim boy and headed towards his bedroom.
Harry leant his head back as he was placed softly on the bed. He let Remus place gentle kisses all over him and he ran his hands over the lithe form.
"Remus." He said lovingly. He let himself be stripped and returned the gesture. Remus had little white scars on his body and for a moment he seemed frightened of Harry's reaction. "Your beautiful moonchild." He whispered, reaching up and kissing him again.
They sealed the bonds of mate hood in the most gentlest, most beautiful way Harry had ever felt. He had let himself fall into the moon and in return he let the warmth of his sun cover Remus. They had become one form until finally Remus' arms had buckled and he'd falling upon Harry's chest. He had never known such pleasure existed and afterwards he had lain in Remus' arms, trembling gently as they both fought for breath. Harry felt cold being back in his own body and so he clung tighter to Remus, trying to grasp back a little of what they had just felt.
Remus smiled lovingly down at his beautiful mate and wrapped his arms protectively around Harry's slim body. The werewolf's senses were still in shock over the beautiful, and yet intense pleasure they had shared. Remus gentle moved Harry's bangs away from his forehead and placed a tender kiss beside of the scar.
Harry was overcome with a feeling of love and a little shock. He frowned slightly and sat up, noting that his scar tingled when Remus' lips had passed so near by it.
Remus looked at him worriedly and suddenly Harry felt that worry in his own mind. A slow smile spread across his face. He closed his eyes and sent all his love into a single thought.
Remus jumped slightly and Harry smiled again.
"I can feel what you can," He said in awe," Is it a side effect of the mate thing?" He spread himself a top Remus' form again and rested his head against the rising and falling chest. He placed his hand on top of the rapidly beating heart and then felt his own. He chuckled at the speed the two hearts were racing, but wasn't all that surprised after what they had done.
The older man smiled at Harry, and wrapped his arms contentedly around him. He looked up into those green apple eyes, and smiled at the love he found there. ("Sirius you chose well.")
~Wyall Jarad~ Thank you so much, myself and Callie have thought greatly over this story.
~PadfootsAngel1~ Thank you very much! We hope you enjoy the chapter.
~barbarataku~ Yes, we believe that Harry and Remus have so much in common, we just love this fic!
~Elven Warrior 1~ *huge grin* Ditto. Awwww!
~insanechildfanfic! Thankies! Enjoy!
~Heala~ Yes, there aren't many Rem/Harry stories out there, and I think that this one is just precious!
~~~~~~~~~~ Sirius' Choice ~~~~~~~~~~
Remus yawned and snuggled further into the warmth he had come to love upon waking. He rolled over and smiled at the still sleeping form of Harry Potter. Very gently he moved the young man's bangs from his eyes and waited for him to wake. Today was Harry's birthday and Remus couldn't wait for him to wake up, but he didn't want to disturb him.
Over the past couple of weeks Remus had grown more accustom to having Harry around. He still wasn't quite comfortable with a physical relationship, because he still couldn't stop his dreams of Sirius, and he couldn't take off the ring his deceased lover had given him. But none of that mattered, what mattered at the moment was Harry.
Harry felt someone move the hair out of his face and slowly opened his eyes. He grinned at the sight before him.
"Hello Moonchild." He said softly. He reached up and stroked his fingers through the gold hair, smiling as it cascaded down his hand.
"Happy Birthday Harry." Remus said and Harry sat upright. A smile slowly formed on his face which with each day was becoming more and more beautiful.
"Oh my god, I'm 16!" Harry exclaimed. He sat quietly for a moment. "Nope, don't feel any different." He laughed, causing Remus to shake his head and chuckle.
"Ah the days that when you got another year older you were excited." Harry laughed and hugged Remus, burying his nose into the coconut smell of Remus' hair.
Remus grinned at Harry and after a few moments of snuggling, he left the warmth of his bed, and of Harry, and dressed in his usual patched robes. "Oh lord. You are now old enough to learn how to aspirate." The werewolf shook his head. He remembered going to St.Mungo's the night Harry was born. Scary thought.
Harry landed with a soft 'thump' back onto the pillows, his eyes closed and his arms spread.
"Thank Merlin. Walking everywhere can be a pain sometimes." Without Remus sharing the bed Harry felt cold so he sprang up and grabbed his robes. Slipping them on, he looked to the window and caught site of a distant figure flying to the house. Hedwig.
"Hedwig's on her way." Remus smiled and walked downstairs to start breakfast. Harry sat back on the bed and thought back over the last few weeks.
He and Remus had grown closer but the physical aspect of their relationship was mostly none existent. Harry was afraid to ask, not wanting to know the answer and he never asked about the ring that Remus constantly wore. He had long since noticed it but was to afraid to ask
But on a lighter note Harry, not to Remus' knowledge mind, was slowly making the potion and learning the incantations to make one an Animagi. He promised he'd be there for Moony if he changed his mind and so he was preparing should that day come.
----
Remus walked down the stairs to the kitchen of Black Manor and eagerly began breakfast. They were only having a few people over for Harry's birthday, because they all figured Harry would just want some of his closest friends there. So at the present Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville, Dumbledore, and the Weasley gang were going to stop by.
When he felt two arms encircle his waist, Remus immediately knew who it was. With a smile he stepped from the arms.
Harry looked quizzically at the werewolf.
"Why do you pull away Remus?" He asked a little hurt. "Do I do something wrong or are you not telling me something?"
Remus looked a little startled to be asked such a thing so Harry sighed and turned to tidy the table.
"Forget it. Birthday blues." He said, putting a smile on his face but knew it hadn't reached his eyes.
Remus felt a pang in his heart and he hated that he had hurt Harry's feelings. He was just opening his mouth to say something when the door opened and all of Harry's friends came streaming in.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he came to stand by Remus, "Hello, Remus."
The werewolf smiled and nodded, "Dumbledore." He said by way of greeting.
Harry sighed. He loved his friends. He did, but they had _the_ worst timing in the world. Still, he smiled and hugged each friend in turn.
"Harry, you gotta open your presents mate, I want to see your face come on come on." Ron was practically bouncing and Harry couldn't help but laugh.
Harry agreed and all sat themselves around him, except Dumbledore and (with a disappointment) Remus who remained standing. Harry slowly made his way through the gifts, purposely because he knew it wound them up.
"Speed up mate!" Which only caused him to mock cackle evilly.
From Luna he received a model of a 'Snorfcrafle' she had called it, big mole like things, which caused a smile to break out on his face when he caught the twitch in Hermione's eye. From Hermione herself he got a book called "Major curses and counter curses: The book of Aurors" of which he was extremely grateful and hugged her tightly. His dream to be an Auror hadn't dwindled any.
Ron got Harry the "Chudley Cannons" fans yearbook which Harry had smiled and said thank you but sighed when Ron had turned away. The team _really_ did suck.
Neville had given him a set of charka beads to aid meditation, he claimed it might help him against Voldermort entering his mind and Harry had been extremely grateful. He continued like this until he was done with all the presents...except Remus, although he wasn't so sure he was receiving anything.
Seeing that Harry had run out of presents Dumbledore and Remus both laid theirs down, and grinned while they waited for Harry to open them.
Harry was a little stunned at all these presents, having never received so many before. He picked up Dumbledore's first, saying thank you and smiling at the aged man.
He pulled back the neat wrapping and and opened the box inside. His gasped as he pulled out a beautifully decorated jade bowl. Around the edges were ancient and jagged markings, sigils and protective charms. He recognized it instantly as a pensieve.
"Thank you so much sir." He said, and caught the twinkle in Dumbledore's eye.
"My pleasure Harry, although there is a rather selfish reason behind this particular gift. I was rather hoping, "And here his grin grew wider, "that with your own you wouldn't be so tempted to look into mine."
Everyone laughed and Harry blushed, muttering a grinning 'sorry'.
Remus grinned but danced excitedly around. Looking once again like the marauder he was at heart, "Mine next! Mine next!"
Harry laughed at the uncharacteristic childishness that he'd just witnessed, all thoughts of their discussion earlier escaping his mind.
Harry picked up the present whilst Remus maneuvered himself to sit on the edge of the table. Harry read the tag. "From The Moon to his Sun". Harry smiled up at the man before peeling back the metallic blue wrapping. Inside was a long rectangular box and he opened it. He gasped audibly.
Inside nestled against the black velvet was a magnificent pendant. The Black, velvet cord that one tied around your neck faded into the padding making the actual stones stand out brighter. It was circular in shape and it was a gorgeous milky white gem, Moonstone Harry realized, for about a cm in and resting right in the centre was a metallic dark blue gem. Blue tiger's eye. Moon, wolf, representing Remus and Tiger's eye, feline, like Harry was.
Harry looked up with glassy eyes and throwing all restraints stood and hugged Remus.
"Thank you Moony," he said but then whispered so only Remus could hear him, "Thank you my moonchild."
The group all shared smiles to see Harry and Remus smiling and apparently having a good time. "Your welcome my Sun." He whispered, almost inaudible, but it reached Harry's ears.
The two broke the hug and Harry returned to his friends, while Dumbledore turned to Remus, "Well, Remus, we are again in need of a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher"
As Remus placed a cake on the table he nodded, "Again?"
Dumbledore sighed, "Yes, again. Remus will you please come back and teach? You are the only teacher that left that position. The others either died, or their brain was messed with by Voldemort."
The werewolf considered it for a moment. It would allow him to be closer to the Sun. "I'll take it."
Harry laughed at Ron's terrible joke before turning and facing his Love, who currently was facing Dumbledore.
"Here Harry let me help you put this on." Hermione came up behind Harry with the pendant Remus had given him and placed it around his neck, clicking together the silver clasp and letting it fall so that it rested in the hollow of Harry's neck. He reached a hand up to touch it and looked up to find Remus watching him.
Nobody in the room missed this. Remus couldn't stop thinking about beautiful Harry looked and how beautiful he made the pendant look. ("There I go again.")
'Yeah, and your loving every minute of it.' came That voice.
Remus couldn't deny that so he didn't say anything in return to That voice. Instead he looked up at the clock. How the time flies. They had already been there for two hours.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Come on, my students. I have to get you back to your parents before they come after me." With a grin there was a rush to hug Harry and get out the door.
Harry hugged them all automatically but he couldn't help but look at the young werewolf. When everyone had left Harry walked slowly and purposely towards him.
"This is beautiful Moony." He said with a gesture to the elegant talisman. Remus reached up with a smile and pushed the bangs out of Harry's face.
"Let me kiss you Remus."
When Remus did nothing but stand there, Harry gently placed a kiss on the older man's lips. Keeping it short, but meaningful. What he didn't expect was for two arms to encircle his waist, and draw him closer.
The werewolf placed a warm kiss on Harry's mouth, and gently ran his tongue across the Gryffindor's lower lip.
Harry's eyes went huge but then he closed them and opened his mouth to the searching tongue. He had never felt more alive, his very blood pumping with raw energy.
He placed his hands upon the werewolf's chest and felt the thundering life beneath it, in perfect synch with his own.
Remus groaned at the Gryffindor's reaction, but he couldn't get rid of the nagging voice in his mind that kept bringing up Sirius, and how he was betraying him. Needing air, but also needing space to think, he broke the kiss and stared into Harry's emerald eyes. Not sure where to go from there.
Harry caught the look of a war waging behind the amber gaze and placed a quidditch calloused hand upon his cheek.
"One day Remus your going to find you _can_ tell me anything and I promise you I will listen. Until then, take your own pace, I'm willing to wait until your ready to really love me." He said smiling.
Remus smiled and dropped his eyes, "Thank you, Harry." But something still wasn't right, "Harry, why don't you find someone who can really love you? I don't know if I ever can."
Harry felt his heart clench a little but he was going to remain honest.
"Because even if it's one-sided Remus, my heart belongs to you. I'd only be hurting and lying to myself and whoever I ended up with. I'd rather be alone then live a lie."
He pulled his hand away and still held a loving gaze with the other man.
"So there it is."
Remus nervously twisted the ring that was on his finger. Taking odd comfort in the cool metal that had been giving to him as a sign of his former lover's admiration. ("I can't forget about Sirius.")
That voice spoke up, 'No one said forget, but you can make room. I mean there are a few things in here that could go. Like you liking the Chudely Canons, hey that can go and we can move Harry right in!'
Harry watched Remus twist the band of white gold on his finger and noted it wasn't the first time that he had done that.
"Moony..." he hesitated briefly before blundering on," What is that ring? You always fiddle with it when you're nervous?"
Remus' head seemed to sink even lower, and he sighed softly as he looked down at the ring on his finger, "It's a Promise ring from Sirius ... That he would always be here for me." The last part of the sentence was said in a low and quiet whisper, but Harry still heard.
Harry felt himself go cold as he froze. Suddenly Remus' actions all made sense but he felt like weeping as a feeling of guilt came over him. This man, this man he loved and couldn't bare to live without, had belonged to his beloved Godfather. Remus' heart was still with the dark haired wizard and Harry found he couldn't be angry. Instead he mourned both Remus and Sirius.
"You.." his voice cracked a little but he shook his head clearing his throat, "You and Sirius were lovers then?"
The werewolf could feel his throat constrict, and tears welled up in his amber eyes. Not trusting his voice, Remus nodded and felt a heavy pressure in his chest, and he knew that he couldn't take it anymore.
With a sob he fell to his knees. His mind begging and pleaded for Sirius.
Harry dropped down to him and held the blonde to his chest.
"Remus I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that," He felt his own throat hitching as he spoke, tears rolling silently down his cheeks," I wish I could bring him back to you, I want to see you happy but I can't. I'm sorry I went that night, I'm sorry ...please...."
He was now crying just as hard as Remus but still he sat and rocked him gently, alternating his hands in the gold and silver hair. He didn't know what was worse, wishing Sirius was alive and Remus was happy in which Harry would've kept his love silently in his heart due to a strong love for both men or knowing that Sirius was gone, Remus broken and Harry unable to mend him and be with him.
"I'm sorry, it's ok, shhh." He said repeatedly, his voice becoming calmer and steadier as he decided that Remus needed him to be strong right now. He'd ignore the ache in his chest for now, forever
The werewolf clung to Harry, tightly wrapping his arms around the young man's slim body. He didn't know if he could bear the pressure and the ache in his chest, it was just too much. When Remus' sobs finally quieted he yawned, and buried his face in Harry's chest.
Harry continued to stroke the velvet hair and even smiled a little when he felt the elder snuggle into his chest. Even if he couldn't have Remus' heart he'd make sure the werewolf knew that he still had his.
"Do you feel any better Moo.....Remus?" Now didn't seem the time for affectionate names.
Remus cringed when Harry used his real name, instead of Moony, but he nodded against Harry's chest, yawning once more. ("Crying really does take it out of you.") he thought to himself.
Harry smiled and stifled his own yawn. Then a question that now bothered him was forming in his head. What if Remus, who apparently didn't want his love yet, didn't want to share his bed like they had the past few weeks?
"Do you want to have the room to yourself tonight...or do..do you want me there?" he asked, a nervous tilt shaking his voice slightly. He had come to love the feel of being in _those_ arms when he woke and he noticed he hadn't had one nightmare since being there.
Remus thought for a moment. ("I don't want to lead Harry on, when I can't love him the way he needs to be loved.") That was the sole reason that the werewolf pulled away from Harry's warmth and wiped his tears, "Harry, I think it would be best if you slept in your room tonight."
Harry lowered his head so Remus wouldn't see his lip tremble before raising his head again with a gentle smile.
"Ok Moonchild. Sleep well." He lifted the bangs of Remus' fringe from his forehead and placed a gentle lingering kiss there before making his way up to his room.
He opened the door to the dark room, muttering "Lumos" quietly and clicked the door behind him. He fell on his back onto the bed with a sigh. He gazed at the ceiling before pulling out his wand and switching on the wizard wireless on his desktop. A beautiful, elegant tune quietly drifted round his room and Harry felt that the song had been specifically written for him and his moon.
"Night falls I fall And where were you? And where were you?
Warm skin Wolf grin And where were you?
I fell into the moon And it covered you in blue I fell into the moon Can I make it right? Can I spend the night?"
Harry covered his face with his hands and fought off any tears by pressing his palms softly against his eyes.
~*~
Dumbledore stood outside of Number 12 Grimauld Place and placidly placed a lemon drop in his mouth. He grinned in delight as the nice flavor that exploded in his mouth. Without further ado he opened the door and went in.
With twinkle in place the old Headmaster walked through the house and smiled to find Harry in one of the living rooms, fire lit, and reading a book.
"Hello Harry."
Harry looked up from the same sentence he'd been reading for over half an hour and smiled at the aged, but not in heart, wizard.
"Morning Professor. How are you?"
"Fine Harry, but I believe it is I who should ask you." He looked at Harry and Harry wondered not for first time whether the man before him could read minds.
"I'm...dealing sir. I miss Sirius, and I have this.....space that hurts but I'm getting better now thank you."
Dumbledore stepped over and placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. He crouched slightly to look into the boy's eyes.
"It'll hurt less in time, believe me. But I'm afraid that wasn't what I was inquiring. I meant you and Remus." Harry blanched a little but found he wasn't too shocked at the headmaster's observation. He sighed.
"I'm lost Dumbledore," He said quietly as the other man sat beside him," How do you heal someone that won't let themselves be? I..."
He blushed slightly but the white wizard patted his hand as a sign to go on.
"..I love him. I know people think I'm too young to know this but I know. Love isn't all flowers and sunny parks, it hurts too and I feel that.......You probably think I'm a love sick teen huh."
"No Harry, out of all of us I believe that you have the best knowledge of what love _truly_ is. Voldermort is hatred, undiluted and black, but you Harry, you are love. If the emotion was to take a physical form it would be you." He said smiling again.
Harry felt tears tingle at the corner of his eyes and his heart constrict painfully.
"Then why can't he see it? I try to show him but he says I am young and....and he still loves Sirius. I do too but....Oh I don't know, I feel tired and stretched Dumbledore. My head hurts but my heart is worse. I have never felt like this before." He said before he slumped back against the chair as his final energy left him.
Dumbledore gave a sad smile, but his light blue eyes still held their twinkle, "Harry, you will feel this way until Remus comes to realize what you really are."
Harry looked at Dumbledore and arched an eyebrow in confusion, "What I really am?"
The Headmaster smiled, "Yes, but I am afraid I can say no more until I talk to Remus." With an inane smile the ancient wizard left the room and went off in search of the werewolf.
("I wish he would talk so somebody could understand him!") Harry thought and then went back to his book and reading the same sentence.
~*~
"Ah, my dear Remus." Dumbledore almost winced at the dramatic change in the werewolf. Remus had always been pale, on the account of him being a werewolf, but now his features were tired and haggard. He looked like a ship that had been battered against the ocean's angry waves one too many times.
"My dear, Remus, how can you be so blind when your light house sits in the other room?"
Remus frowned, "What do you mean, Albus?"
"What I mean is, haven't you noticed a change in your physical well-being since you stopped Harry from sleeping in your bed." At the man's wide eyes Dumbledore grinned, "Yes, I know about that, and I must say that I highly approve." He paused, "If you have noticed since you two stopped sharing a bed you have grown even thinner and weaker, and if you would cast your eyes upon Harry you would notice the same thing."
The werewolf sighed and placed his head in his hands, "I don't know what to do."
"Listen."
Remus quirked an eyebrow, "Listen?"
Dumbledore sat down across from the werewolf, "Surely you haven't forgotten. When a werewolf's mate dies, and Sirius was your mate, then the werewolf is over come with a terrible and heart-wrenching grief. It is, therefore, the dead mates job to find the werewolf another mate."
'See, I have been trying to tell you the whole time!' came That voice.
The waning man squeaked, "Sirius has been trying to tell me ... about Harry."
Albus beamed, "That's right, and until you tell him and make him your mate the two of you will be miserable."
Remus shook his head, "I can't forget Sirius in that way. I wouldn't feel right being with someone else."
"My dear, Moony, when you take Harry as your mate, Sirius will gladly move over to make room for Harry in your heart. It is not a sin to love again once your mate is dead. You cannot survive without one."
~*~
Harry sat still with the book, which he had come to dub as the Marauder diary. He was slowly mastering the skill of the animagi, still behind everyone's backs, but he still had one problem left. Like the wand chooses the wizard the heart chooses the form. But Harry didn't know what he was, he wasn't a stag like his father, he didn't feel like a canine and he was certainly not a rodent.
He sighed again, the stress from both choosing his form and being separated from Remus was beginning to press harder down on his heart. And what the hell was Dumbledore on about 'what he really was?'
He heard footsteps on the stairway, two sets to be exact, and he hastily hid the diary again.
Dumbledore smiled and bid Harry goodbye, before sweeping out of the house, giving Remus once last look, before aparating.
Remus walked over to where Harry was sitting and for the first time he let his werewolf senses take over. He could smell the shampoo in Harry's hair, it smelled of fresh apples. Then he could smell the scent of Harry himself, a vanilla musk. The two scents were intoxicating to the werewolf, and his eyes shone brightly.
"Hello, Harry." the man took a seat across from the Gryffindor.
"Hello Remus." Harry said, a little hesitance in his voice. "You alright, you seem a little odd?"
He leant forward a little to examine the man but stopped when he caught the look in his eyes. They were sparkling amber right now, like the morning dew glistening on autumn leaves, and Harry couldn't help but feel lost in them.
"Remus?" He asked again as he felt the air shift into an electrical atmosphere.
Remus licked his lips, and took a slightly shaky breath, "Harry, have you ever heard about a werewolf and his mate?" The young man shook his head in confusion and Remus continued, "When a werewolf chooses his mate, his whole heart is put into the bond. Sirius was my mate, and my whole heart was in that bond when it was broken. When a werewolf's mate dies, the werewolf is hounded by grief, and it finds no peace accept when it finds its new mate. The dead mate, Sirius, chooses, and Harry .. it's you."
The room seemed to ripple with the electricity that hung in the atmosphere, and suddenly Remus felt the pressure in his chest lift, and his heart seemed to swell.
'Well, it's about time.' That voice echoed, and then left.
"Wha..what?" Harry asked, his heart beating a mile a minute.
"Sirius wants me, _us_ to be happy Harry, he chose you, and Merlin Harry you don't know how much I wanted this." Remus' voice was getting stronger.
Harry let out a loud relieved sob and smiled. Sirius wanted them together, he wasn't angry, He actually _chose_ Harry for Remus. Harry slowly lifted a hand to Remus' cheek and again let out a laughing sob when Remus actually leant into it.
"Remus....Siri he..he chose but," Harry had to hear this, he had to know," Moony, who do you choose?" He waited, rocking very slightly, almost invisible to the eye, and held his breathe.
Remus' werewolf's instincts were in overdrive at the simple touch that Harry had initiated. The werewolf could feel his heart drinking in every detail about the young wizard, "I want you Harry."
Harry flew into Remus' arms and clung to him before pulling back.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, more than I've ever been." Harry leant into to hug him again, before once again pulling back.
"And you won't pull back and hide and.."
"I'm here to stay Harry, My sun and My night." Harry leant in again and this time he stayed. He breathed him in and caught the scent of cinnamon, forest and nature. Suddenly his eyes flew open.
("I know what I am, Oh my moonchild, I will show you Moony's mate. Just give me time.")
"What made you change your mind, I tried so hard to show you love, to show you I was ready for the wonderful burdens of having a wolf for a lover and now you're..." He smiled and rested his cheek against the paler one. He was very aware of everything, where their bodies met, the weight of the pendant around his neck and the erratic heartbeat of the man before him.
"Harry, I was letting my grief cut off my senses, and I wasn't listening to Sirius. Dumbledore just happened to set me straight." Remus placed a soft kiss on Harry's neck and growled, "The meddling ole codger." When Harry giggled Remus placed his kiss on Harry's checks, forehead, nose, and then he very gently placed a kiss on the young man's lips.
He softly traced Harry's bottom lip with his tongue, and groaned when the Gryffindor opened his mouth. Allowing his tongue to enter and inspect every aspect of Harry's mouth.
Harry's heart thundered against his ribcage as he felt the seeking tongue. He loved Remus more than life itself and here he was, kissing him, acknowledging him as his mate. Harry gripped him tighter and let his soul shatter and cover them both. He knew there would be many who would reject the relationship, he didn't want to think about what his conversation with Mrs Weasley was going to be like, but right now he felt he could take on the world. As though to seal this he deepened the kiss.
He finally pulled back and tangled his fingers into the blonde hair, massaging the scalp lightly.
"I'm your mate." He said quietly, almost telling himself. " Shouldn't this be frightening me more?" He smiled and leant his forehead against the others to look him straight in the eye.
Remus just grinned, looking like the dominant creature that he was, "Harry, you have more courage than anyone I know. You are not afraid to stand up for what you think. You are not afraid to stand up for what or who you believe in, and most importantly not even something as hideous as a werewolf could frighten you."
The werewolf lowered his head and placed a tender, and lingering kiss on the young Gryffindor's neck.
"Remus, you and Moony are _not hideous, I know, I've seen both of you. You were fighting and even then I couldn't take my eyes away." He said, leaning his head against the graying hair. He pulled back and held Remus' face in his hands.
"One day you'll believe me, my melodramatic mate." His heart gave a leap as he said the word and even now it brought a smile to his lips. ("His mate") he thought blissfully.
They sat in each other's arms, Harry was pretty sure Remus was thinking over everything he had said before Harry stood and took Remus' hand, leading him into the kitchen and sitting him into one of the chairs.
"Do you want something to drink Moony? I feel a little dehydrated myself." He said, standing so he was stood with his outer thighs pressed against Remus' inner knees, his hands toying with the short golden silver hair and Remus had his head pressed against Harry's stomach.
("Why are you so negative about yourself Remus? I will show you, just like Sirius did, that you are more beautiful then life, _Both_ Moony and Remus.")
Remus sat and let his senses reel over the touch of his mate, and smell of of his mate. If Harry was a drink the werewolf would have already been drunk. Remus could feel his heart beating quickly, all of Harry excited the werewolf, and he knew that he didn't want something to drink. However, thoughts of his mates well being kept Remus from doing something that he might regret. "No, I'm not thirsty."
"Ok well I'm just going to grab a tea or something ok?" At Remus' nod Harry pulled away and walked over to one of the cupboards, stopping and then smirking at the sense of De'ja vu. He carried on his way and again when he reached for the tea bags his shirt rode up a little. This time he heard Remus chuckle slightly.
Harry turned with a cheeky smile which soon turned into a real one. As he moved around the kitchen he turned the wizard wireless down as background sound. Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" began to twist into the room and Harry watched as Remus tilted his head back.
And it was there, that moment, that Harry realized that this is what his heart had always wanted. He was a simple creature and he wanted the basics of a life. Here he was, making tea, his lover resting in a chair and music was surrounding them both. He wanted to wake up and live his life like this everyday.
Remus had to lay his head back and shut his eyes. Harry was making it awfully hard for him not to run over and pounce on the Gryffindor. Instead, Remus opened his eyes and started counting the tiles on the floor. Anything to distract his eyes from the beautiful figure of Harry Potter.
"Well, Harry, your sixth year at Hogwarts should definitely be interesting. Having your mate as your DADA professor."
Harry chuckled as he walked back other with a steaming cup of tea and settled into Remus' lap gentle as not to spill his drink. He blew it gentle.
"Yeah, wonder what it'll be like though?" He mused, taking a sip of tea and offering it to Remus who finally relented and took a sip. "I mean, Dumbledore already approves so its not like we have to hide it because we'll get in trouble."
Harry stopped again and took another swig. He swallowed and then placed a gentle kiss on Remus' cheek.
"I know the Gryffindor's will be ok though, and to me they're the ones that matter."
Remus kissed the shell of Harry's ear, "Harry, I am going to go ahead and warn you that being the mate of a werewolf is not going to be much fun. There will be times when I will be so protective that I'll insist I have to go with you everywhere, and there will be times when it will be hard for me to let others near you, so I think Dumbledore will excuse the fact if you stay in my chambers."
Harry rolled this prospect over in his head but he only had to look at Remus to know that as long as he was with him he'd handle anything.
"Remus, as long as I'm with you I'll handle the harder stuff. I understand the protection thing and I'll learn to deal Remus."
He leaned in and kissed the blonde. He pulled back and smiling a lop-sided grin, placing his cup of tea on the side.
He turned back and kissed Remus more deeply. He so far hadn't really had the guts to fully take a little control. He pulled away and placed a little kiss as a sort of signature.
"I can handle anything with you Remus."
Remus couldn't take anymore. He hungrily kissed Harry, while wrapping his arms tightly around the younger man's slim body. The werewolf broke the kiss to trail his lips down Harry's neck, and he then began to nibble. When the skin became red Remus licked the agitated skin, cooling it and earning a groan from Harry.
Harry actually felt him shudder. It was amazing and both frightening how that simple touch sent little electric sparks set off in his veins, his chest, his whole body.
"Remus?" He asked, turning both desire and hesitant filled green eyes to him. He wanted this so much it hurt, but he'd only so far kissed Cho and now Remus. He was what one would call the innocent virgin. He rested his forehead against the werewolf's and closed his eyes.
"Take care of me, ok?" He asked quietly.
Remus smiled tenderly at his mate and placed a soft promising kiss on his lips, "That shouldn't be a problem." The werewolf began to hungrily kiss at Harry's exposed neck, and then he picked up the slim boy and headed towards his bedroom.
Harry leant his head back as he was placed softly on the bed. He let Remus place gentle kisses all over him and he ran his hands over the lithe form.
"Remus." He said lovingly. He let himself be stripped and returned the gesture. Remus had little white scars on his body and for a moment he seemed frightened of Harry's reaction. "Your beautiful moonchild." He whispered, reaching up and kissing him again.
They sealed the bonds of mate hood in the most gentlest, most beautiful way Harry had ever felt. He had let himself fall into the moon and in return he let the warmth of his sun cover Remus. They had become one form until finally Remus' arms had buckled and he'd falling upon Harry's chest. He had never known such pleasure existed and afterwards he had lain in Remus' arms, trembling gently as they both fought for breath. Harry felt cold being back in his own body and so he clung tighter to Remus, trying to grasp back a little of what they had just felt.
Remus smiled lovingly down at his beautiful mate and wrapped his arms protectively around Harry's slim body. The werewolf's senses were still in shock over the beautiful, and yet intense pleasure they had shared. Remus gentle moved Harry's bangs away from his forehead and placed a tender kiss beside of the scar.
Harry was overcome with a feeling of love and a little shock. He frowned slightly and sat up, noting that his scar tingled when Remus' lips had passed so near by it.
Remus looked at him worriedly and suddenly Harry felt that worry in his own mind. A slow smile spread across his face. He closed his eyes and sent all his love into a single thought.
Remus jumped slightly and Harry smiled again.
"I can feel what you can," He said in awe," Is it a side effect of the mate thing?" He spread himself a top Remus' form again and rested his head against the rising and falling chest. He placed his hand on top of the rapidly beating heart and then felt his own. He chuckled at the speed the two hearts were racing, but wasn't all that surprised after what they had done.
The older man smiled at Harry, and wrapped his arms contentedly around him. He looked up into those green apple eyes, and smiled at the love he found there. ("Sirius you chose well.")