Author: darkjedi
Title: The Wall
Rating: PG-13
Summary: An alternate Universe fic. Sirius only killed Peter. And was released from prison. Now ten years later, Harry's' sparked interest in his godfather leads him to a man who calls himself 'The Grim.'
Disclaimer: I don't own this, if I did, I wouldn't be writing a disclaimer.
A/N: Hi everyone! Back again, I see. This chapter is different then the rest because otherwise the whole fic wouldn't make sense. I hope this clears up your questions. Enjoy!
The Wall, chapter 4.
A thousand miles away from Harry, Remus Lupin was currently trying to not curse everything in sight all to hell.
Cookie, the house elf, had woken him up after the full moon way to early in the morning, to inform him he had several urgent messages from the ministry and a unmarked letter.
Naturally, he read the unmarked letter first, honestly, who'd want mail from the ministry?
As Cookie handed him the letters, Remus felt his stomach lurch. The letter was on blood red parchment, He knew only of one person who would enchant their parchment to be that color.
Dear Moony,
Harry has left his relatives; he is now at the Leaky Cauldron. I have reason to believe his uncle has abused him. I'll tell you about it later. Please come back to London and watch over Harry. Stay at the old apartment (The keys are still under the mat) I have to sort out a few problems.
Signed
Cyrus
Remus groaned, then cursed. Harry had been abused? Someone was going to pay, it they already hadn't. Knowing Cyrus.
'I'll bet he was watching Harry again.'
Ever since Cyrus. (Sirius, to those who know him best) was released out of Azkaban, he had changed. At first Remus had assumed that it was just because he had spent the last ten years in hell on Earth, and just brushed his concerns aside, but now three years later, he hadn't changed. He was never home (He and Remus now shared a old mansion in upper Scotland, Remus had never been to this 'old apartment' but he had a clue where it was) and he never said where he went. Remus was certain that at some point Sirius had been to see Harry. He didn't talk when he was home, and when he did; it was mostly on rather depressing subjects (example. "Have you ever considered suicide?")
Remus began to rummage around the kitchen for floo powder, he already had the fire going, now what did he do with that darn bag? He causally brushed countless child adoption forms. visitation applications. several copies of Harry's birth certificate, his werewolf papers, and other legal documents on werewolf's adoption rights and such.
Like Sirius, Harry had never been far from Remus mind.
He had filed for custody for several times.18 to be precise. And each time he had been turned down, apparently werewolves are not allowed to adopt. That, however, did not stop Remus from trying. The last time he had filed, he had gotten a rather nasty letter from the ministry threatening him with a restraining order if he filed for custody again.
Can you guess what Remus did? And that was right before Harry's 11th birthday, too. Right when Sirius was released. Remus thought it would have been a 'Happy reunion' for the three of them. Of course, the ministry had to rear their ugly heads, saying that Harry isn't even allowed to visit, let alone live with them, until he is of age, which is 13 in the wizarding world. Fudge had gotten several howlers from the Aurrors from the order of the Phoenix, who knew Remus and Sirius well. Even Dumbledore had been angry. But Dumbledore couldn't argue with the law. Remus was most defiantly a werewolf. And Sirius had most definitely killed Peter. Remus shivered at the memory of the site of Peter's mangled body. Sirius had been furious with him for betraying the Potters to Voldermort. Remus knew Peter was their secret-keeper. But that's not what the ministry believed..Of course the ministry is full of a bunch of idiots, so..
'And now Cyrus tells me Harry was abused? After the ministry said that we weren't proper guardians? Idiots. Where the hell did I put that floo powder? Ah ha!'
Remus found the small blue bag under the werewolf registration form he was supposed to fill out. When he turned to face the fire again he was rather surprised to find Albus Dumbledore's head floating in the flames.
Always the gentleman, Lupin smiled.
"Well, good morning, professor Dumbledore, how can I help you?"
" Why, hello to you too, Remus. It's awful early for you to be up so soon after the full moon."
"And yet you called."
"Yes, well I figured that the ministry had already contacted you.or someone else, perhaps?"
" The ministry? OH, yes they did write to me this morning." Remus said, seeing Cookie waving the less important, normal colored letters in the air.
"Anyone else?"
"Cyrus."
" I thought so. It seems Harry.."
".. Has left his relatives, I know. That's what Cyrus wrote to tell me. I was just on my way to him when.."
"You know where he is?" Dumbledore cut in urgently.
"Yes, Cyrus took him to Diagon Ally." Dumbledore looked rather relieved.
" I see. Well, The ministry has informed me that you are their prime suspect in kidnapping him. I'll be happy to tell them off for you. Do you know why Cyrus took Harry from his relatives home?"
Remus took a deep breath. He wasn't for sure how many people Harry wanted to know this, obviously none, since he hadn't mentioned it before.. In fact only reason Remus could know was because he was Harry's .. godfather, sort of. (Read A/N)
But then again, this was Dumbledore. He deserved to know.
"Cyrus said that Harry had been abused, sir."
" Do you think he was?"
" If Cyrus thinks he was. Then yes, I believe him."
Dumbledore sighed. "I had my suspensions, true. I didn't actually believe them, but.." He paused. " Is this the only reason he took Harry?"
"Cyrus is over-protective, and you know that. He. hasn't been home for several months now. I sent a letter to him last week, and he said he was on to something. As to what that is, I have no idea. He then said and that he'd appreciate it if I left him alone until he found out if the rumors were true or not."
"What rumors?"
"Good question." Remus answered.
Dumbledore nodded solemnly
" Sirius may not be the most stable auror I have, but next to you and James Potter, he was the smartest. " Remus blushed " If something has him worried, I would trust his instinct. And as for Harry." Dumbledore paused again. " Yes, Cyrus is protective, especially of Harry, you and I have both scene proof of this. But in order to get Harry away from his relatives, he would undoubtly would have had to speak to Harry, and I've never known him to that.."
" Sir?"
" Do you remember the year before last, when Harry went to the third floor corridor to stop Voldermort form getting the sorceress stone? I remember owling you about it. I thought you might like to know."
" You know good in well I came to Hogwarts immedently after I got your letter. I had to leave when Harry woke up, though. If you remember, I'm not allowed to be around him. And it was the full moon that night."
" Did I ever tell you that Sirius was there before you? Before me, even. I found him in my office; right after Harry had been taken care of by Madame Pompy. Apparently he had been there for some time, looking for Harry, but couldn't find him. So he waited patiently until I arrived. He was rather angry with me for 'letting' Harry and his friends go down into the chamber. I told him where Harry was and he went down to see him, Harry wasn't awake, as you know, but he stayed. According to Pompy, he didn't leave until you arrived."
" NO, you missed that. And last year?"
" He owled me, right before the school committee did, demanding that I return to Hogwarts. Saying that something had happened to Harry."
Remus shivered at the memory of the letter Dumbledore had sent Remus after Harry had came out of the chamber of secrets. The thought of his 12- year old godson facing a Baskilisk.it was more than Remus could bear. Cookie said he had passed out whole two hours after reading the letter.
" But how did Cyrus know.?"
" Good question." Dumbledore said, with a half smile.
" He is just so much more. mysterious now." Remus said." I'm worried about him."
" I know. And I'm worried about Harry. Cyrus is getting bolder. And if he was bold enough to speak to Harry. I worry what he'll do this school year."
" Is there something going on at Hogwarts this year, sir?"
"Oh, no more than usual." Dumbledore's eyes began to twinkle oddly in the fire flames.
"We're in trouble."
" Yes, I would think so."
" Is there anything else, sir?"
" Yes, I need to ask a favor of you."
" ..And that is?"
" Would you mind coming to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year?"
"Um.. Excuse me? Professor, you know I can't. I'm dangerous."
" Nonsense, Remus. You are not dangerous. You are one of the most civil people I know."
" That's not what I meant and you know it."
"If you're referring to your lycanthropy, then I don't see the problem."
Remus gaped at him." .But sir."
" We can do as we did when you were a student. And with the invention of the wolfsbane potion, which I'm sure Serverus will be glad to create."
" I can make the wolfsbane potion myself, sir." After all, it was Remus own footnotes on his condition that helped create the potion.
" All the better, then."
" Sir, I.I can't."
"And why not?"
" What if. What if I scare him away?" Dumbledore didn't need to ask who he was.
" Did you scare James away?"
" You know I didn't"
" Well, Harry is remarkable like James, and not just physically."
" I don't think I'll be able to teach them with out showing some favoritism."
" If half the rumors I hear about Severus are true, then your help is desperately needed in the Gryffindor house."
" And that's another thing, you'll never be able to convince your staff."
" I've already discussed the matter with them, you are one of the best aurors I know. And should make a capable teacher."
" Why not Moody? He's insane, but he's good. Or Figg? She's sane, and real good."
"Because either of them know how Sirius thinks. How he works."
" I don't know how Sirius works! I don't think he works at all; I think he's broke."
Despite himself, Dumbledore laughed.
" If not for yourself, or for Sirius, them for Harry." Said Dumbledore, in a more serious tone of voice.
That made Remus stop.
" If Harry has been abused, then you and Sirius are his only family. He might want to get to know you before you decide to adopt him, again."
Remus again paused. He already had a room set up for Harry. Had since the child was five. Remus never liked the Dursleys, not since Petunia ruined James bachelor party by telling Lily that she would not go to the 'wedding of the freaks'. Lily had called Sirius and Remus home, where the party was taking place, in tears. So the whole drunk lot of them had to get up, go out, kidnap Petunia and tie and gag her to the last phew of the church. Where she stayed till the end of the wedding. but that was getting off subject, that night, after he had sobered up a bit. James had made Sirius and Remus swear that if anything happened to him and Lily, make sure their child did not end up at the Dursleys home. Remus had tried. And had as far failed his best friend.
'But not this time.' Remus thought. And He took a deep breath and returned his attention to the floating head in his fireplace.
"All right, Sir, you've made your point. I'll come and teach this year, but only this year." Remus let a small smile make it's way onto his features. " I hear the jobs cursed."
Dumbledore laughed, triumphant in the battle.
" Thank goodness, I was afraid I would have to bring back Lockheart."
Remus sighed, that had been an hour ago, now he was in Diagon Ally. He first stopped at the Bleak apartment buildings, to ensure that he had a place to stay. Yes, he was right, Cyrus was staying at the Potters old apartment, their home before they moved into Godrics hollow. Remus was in awe at how Cyrus had made the apartment out exactly how Lily had decorated it all those years ago.
'He really has lost it.' Remus thought as he looked around the sitting room 'right down to the pictures on the mantel. Where'd he get those? Duh, stupid question, our place.'
Pocketing the key, which was right where Sirius said it would, Remus turned abruptly, back toward the street, to see his best friends son, for the first time, both wide awake, since Harry was 1 and a half years old.
' I hope he has his fathers instinct and trust me, no questions asked..'
A/N- Sorry it's so short. The plot doesn't really get moving until we get to Hogwarts. But be patient. There is a point to this. Thank you all who review. You guys are the light at the end of the tunnel that is typing for hours on this fic. I hope this clears up some of your questions. Also, I see Remus and Sirius sort of sharing the role of being the godfather to Harry. So if I at some point refer to Remus as Harry's godfather, don't take this literally, Sirius is Harry's legal godfather, this will be important in later chapters, Yes, Dumbledore knows Sirius was not the Potters secret keeper, but that's not why Sirius put his real name on the permission form, that to, will be explained later. Thank you again all who reviewed.
Title: The Wall
Rating: PG-13
Summary: An alternate Universe fic. Sirius only killed Peter. And was released from prison. Now ten years later, Harry's' sparked interest in his godfather leads him to a man who calls himself 'The Grim.'
Disclaimer: I don't own this, if I did, I wouldn't be writing a disclaimer.
A/N: Hi everyone! Back again, I see. This chapter is different then the rest because otherwise the whole fic wouldn't make sense. I hope this clears up your questions. Enjoy!
The Wall, chapter 4.
A thousand miles away from Harry, Remus Lupin was currently trying to not curse everything in sight all to hell.
Cookie, the house elf, had woken him up after the full moon way to early in the morning, to inform him he had several urgent messages from the ministry and a unmarked letter.
Naturally, he read the unmarked letter first, honestly, who'd want mail from the ministry?
As Cookie handed him the letters, Remus felt his stomach lurch. The letter was on blood red parchment, He knew only of one person who would enchant their parchment to be that color.
Dear Moony,
Harry has left his relatives; he is now at the Leaky Cauldron. I have reason to believe his uncle has abused him. I'll tell you about it later. Please come back to London and watch over Harry. Stay at the old apartment (The keys are still under the mat) I have to sort out a few problems.
Signed
Cyrus
Remus groaned, then cursed. Harry had been abused? Someone was going to pay, it they already hadn't. Knowing Cyrus.
'I'll bet he was watching Harry again.'
Ever since Cyrus. (Sirius, to those who know him best) was released out of Azkaban, he had changed. At first Remus had assumed that it was just because he had spent the last ten years in hell on Earth, and just brushed his concerns aside, but now three years later, he hadn't changed. He was never home (He and Remus now shared a old mansion in upper Scotland, Remus had never been to this 'old apartment' but he had a clue where it was) and he never said where he went. Remus was certain that at some point Sirius had been to see Harry. He didn't talk when he was home, and when he did; it was mostly on rather depressing subjects (example. "Have you ever considered suicide?")
Remus began to rummage around the kitchen for floo powder, he already had the fire going, now what did he do with that darn bag? He causally brushed countless child adoption forms. visitation applications. several copies of Harry's birth certificate, his werewolf papers, and other legal documents on werewolf's adoption rights and such.
Like Sirius, Harry had never been far from Remus mind.
He had filed for custody for several times.18 to be precise. And each time he had been turned down, apparently werewolves are not allowed to adopt. That, however, did not stop Remus from trying. The last time he had filed, he had gotten a rather nasty letter from the ministry threatening him with a restraining order if he filed for custody again.
Can you guess what Remus did? And that was right before Harry's 11th birthday, too. Right when Sirius was released. Remus thought it would have been a 'Happy reunion' for the three of them. Of course, the ministry had to rear their ugly heads, saying that Harry isn't even allowed to visit, let alone live with them, until he is of age, which is 13 in the wizarding world. Fudge had gotten several howlers from the Aurrors from the order of the Phoenix, who knew Remus and Sirius well. Even Dumbledore had been angry. But Dumbledore couldn't argue with the law. Remus was most defiantly a werewolf. And Sirius had most definitely killed Peter. Remus shivered at the memory of the site of Peter's mangled body. Sirius had been furious with him for betraying the Potters to Voldermort. Remus knew Peter was their secret-keeper. But that's not what the ministry believed..Of course the ministry is full of a bunch of idiots, so..
'And now Cyrus tells me Harry was abused? After the ministry said that we weren't proper guardians? Idiots. Where the hell did I put that floo powder? Ah ha!'
Remus found the small blue bag under the werewolf registration form he was supposed to fill out. When he turned to face the fire again he was rather surprised to find Albus Dumbledore's head floating in the flames.
Always the gentleman, Lupin smiled.
"Well, good morning, professor Dumbledore, how can I help you?"
" Why, hello to you too, Remus. It's awful early for you to be up so soon after the full moon."
"And yet you called."
"Yes, well I figured that the ministry had already contacted you.or someone else, perhaps?"
" The ministry? OH, yes they did write to me this morning." Remus said, seeing Cookie waving the less important, normal colored letters in the air.
"Anyone else?"
"Cyrus."
" I thought so. It seems Harry.."
".. Has left his relatives, I know. That's what Cyrus wrote to tell me. I was just on my way to him when.."
"You know where he is?" Dumbledore cut in urgently.
"Yes, Cyrus took him to Diagon Ally." Dumbledore looked rather relieved.
" I see. Well, The ministry has informed me that you are their prime suspect in kidnapping him. I'll be happy to tell them off for you. Do you know why Cyrus took Harry from his relatives home?"
Remus took a deep breath. He wasn't for sure how many people Harry wanted to know this, obviously none, since he hadn't mentioned it before.. In fact only reason Remus could know was because he was Harry's .. godfather, sort of. (Read A/N)
But then again, this was Dumbledore. He deserved to know.
"Cyrus said that Harry had been abused, sir."
" Do you think he was?"
" If Cyrus thinks he was. Then yes, I believe him."
Dumbledore sighed. "I had my suspensions, true. I didn't actually believe them, but.." He paused. " Is this the only reason he took Harry?"
"Cyrus is over-protective, and you know that. He. hasn't been home for several months now. I sent a letter to him last week, and he said he was on to something. As to what that is, I have no idea. He then said and that he'd appreciate it if I left him alone until he found out if the rumors were true or not."
"What rumors?"
"Good question." Remus answered.
Dumbledore nodded solemnly
" Sirius may not be the most stable auror I have, but next to you and James Potter, he was the smartest. " Remus blushed " If something has him worried, I would trust his instinct. And as for Harry." Dumbledore paused again. " Yes, Cyrus is protective, especially of Harry, you and I have both scene proof of this. But in order to get Harry away from his relatives, he would undoubtly would have had to speak to Harry, and I've never known him to that.."
" Sir?"
" Do you remember the year before last, when Harry went to the third floor corridor to stop Voldermort form getting the sorceress stone? I remember owling you about it. I thought you might like to know."
" You know good in well I came to Hogwarts immedently after I got your letter. I had to leave when Harry woke up, though. If you remember, I'm not allowed to be around him. And it was the full moon that night."
" Did I ever tell you that Sirius was there before you? Before me, even. I found him in my office; right after Harry had been taken care of by Madame Pompy. Apparently he had been there for some time, looking for Harry, but couldn't find him. So he waited patiently until I arrived. He was rather angry with me for 'letting' Harry and his friends go down into the chamber. I told him where Harry was and he went down to see him, Harry wasn't awake, as you know, but he stayed. According to Pompy, he didn't leave until you arrived."
" NO, you missed that. And last year?"
" He owled me, right before the school committee did, demanding that I return to Hogwarts. Saying that something had happened to Harry."
Remus shivered at the memory of the letter Dumbledore had sent Remus after Harry had came out of the chamber of secrets. The thought of his 12- year old godson facing a Baskilisk.it was more than Remus could bear. Cookie said he had passed out whole two hours after reading the letter.
" But how did Cyrus know.?"
" Good question." Dumbledore said, with a half smile.
" He is just so much more. mysterious now." Remus said." I'm worried about him."
" I know. And I'm worried about Harry. Cyrus is getting bolder. And if he was bold enough to speak to Harry. I worry what he'll do this school year."
" Is there something going on at Hogwarts this year, sir?"
"Oh, no more than usual." Dumbledore's eyes began to twinkle oddly in the fire flames.
"We're in trouble."
" Yes, I would think so."
" Is there anything else, sir?"
" Yes, I need to ask a favor of you."
" ..And that is?"
" Would you mind coming to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year?"
"Um.. Excuse me? Professor, you know I can't. I'm dangerous."
" Nonsense, Remus. You are not dangerous. You are one of the most civil people I know."
" That's not what I meant and you know it."
"If you're referring to your lycanthropy, then I don't see the problem."
Remus gaped at him." .But sir."
" We can do as we did when you were a student. And with the invention of the wolfsbane potion, which I'm sure Serverus will be glad to create."
" I can make the wolfsbane potion myself, sir." After all, it was Remus own footnotes on his condition that helped create the potion.
" All the better, then."
" Sir, I.I can't."
"And why not?"
" What if. What if I scare him away?" Dumbledore didn't need to ask who he was.
" Did you scare James away?"
" You know I didn't"
" Well, Harry is remarkable like James, and not just physically."
" I don't think I'll be able to teach them with out showing some favoritism."
" If half the rumors I hear about Severus are true, then your help is desperately needed in the Gryffindor house."
" And that's another thing, you'll never be able to convince your staff."
" I've already discussed the matter with them, you are one of the best aurors I know. And should make a capable teacher."
" Why not Moody? He's insane, but he's good. Or Figg? She's sane, and real good."
"Because either of them know how Sirius thinks. How he works."
" I don't know how Sirius works! I don't think he works at all; I think he's broke."
Despite himself, Dumbledore laughed.
" If not for yourself, or for Sirius, them for Harry." Said Dumbledore, in a more serious tone of voice.
That made Remus stop.
" If Harry has been abused, then you and Sirius are his only family. He might want to get to know you before you decide to adopt him, again."
Remus again paused. He already had a room set up for Harry. Had since the child was five. Remus never liked the Dursleys, not since Petunia ruined James bachelor party by telling Lily that she would not go to the 'wedding of the freaks'. Lily had called Sirius and Remus home, where the party was taking place, in tears. So the whole drunk lot of them had to get up, go out, kidnap Petunia and tie and gag her to the last phew of the church. Where she stayed till the end of the wedding. but that was getting off subject, that night, after he had sobered up a bit. James had made Sirius and Remus swear that if anything happened to him and Lily, make sure their child did not end up at the Dursleys home. Remus had tried. And had as far failed his best friend.
'But not this time.' Remus thought. And He took a deep breath and returned his attention to the floating head in his fireplace.
"All right, Sir, you've made your point. I'll come and teach this year, but only this year." Remus let a small smile make it's way onto his features. " I hear the jobs cursed."
Dumbledore laughed, triumphant in the battle.
" Thank goodness, I was afraid I would have to bring back Lockheart."
Remus sighed, that had been an hour ago, now he was in Diagon Ally. He first stopped at the Bleak apartment buildings, to ensure that he had a place to stay. Yes, he was right, Cyrus was staying at the Potters old apartment, their home before they moved into Godrics hollow. Remus was in awe at how Cyrus had made the apartment out exactly how Lily had decorated it all those years ago.
'He really has lost it.' Remus thought as he looked around the sitting room 'right down to the pictures on the mantel. Where'd he get those? Duh, stupid question, our place.'
Pocketing the key, which was right where Sirius said it would, Remus turned abruptly, back toward the street, to see his best friends son, for the first time, both wide awake, since Harry was 1 and a half years old.
' I hope he has his fathers instinct and trust me, no questions asked..'
A/N- Sorry it's so short. The plot doesn't really get moving until we get to Hogwarts. But be patient. There is a point to this. Thank you all who review. You guys are the light at the end of the tunnel that is typing for hours on this fic. I hope this clears up some of your questions. Also, I see Remus and Sirius sort of sharing the role of being the godfather to Harry. So if I at some point refer to Remus as Harry's godfather, don't take this literally, Sirius is Harry's legal godfather, this will be important in later chapters, Yes, Dumbledore knows Sirius was not the Potters secret keeper, but that's not why Sirius put his real name on the permission form, that to, will be explained later. Thank you again all who reviewed.