A/N: Thanks to MelissaMoony, HarryPotterfan99, Lily's Smile, PinkPixieDust16, kitimat-born, SPASH Panther, InuBuff20, AmyDiane, ANDTORR, Raine Is Crazy, Jillybug03, Emma Conners, AshtonRushing, johnmenefee21, Hermione Rae, and dude731 for your comments and very kind words. I really appreciate all of you! Here's a new part—hope you enjoy!
Chapter Five
Harry heard a soft knock on his door. He propped himself up on his elbows blinking in the daylight as the door opened slowly.
"Good morning, Harry." Dumbledore smiled as he walked in. "May I?" He gestured to the chair.
Harry nodded, reached for his glasses and sat up fully.
"I heard you were able to get some rest last night."
"Yes, at least for awhile, thanks."
"Good. Harry, I have been thinking and I believe it would be a good idea for you to go to Grimmauld Place this Saturday with Remus before the Dursleys return." Dumbledore kept his eyes on Harry's. "Sirius left his home to you."
Harry lowered his eyes. "I don't deserve to—"
"Harry...I know this will be difficult for you...I wish I could do something to make it easier. I'm sorry." Dumbledore reached into his robe and brought out an envelope. "Sirius left this letter for you..."
Harry slowly lifted his head and saw his name written in Sirius' scrawl. He felt as though icy water had suddenly replaced the blood in his veins. He looked numbly up at Dumbledore then back at the envelope but couldn't seem to gather the strength to reach for the letter.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I'll keep this for you until you're ready." Dumbledore stood tucking the letter in his robes, his voice somber. "I'll leave more Sleeping Draught with Remus if you want to use it again tonight." He clasped Harry's shoulder gently then turned to leave.
"Professor," Harry said quietly and Dumbledore turned back. "Could I please have the letter?"
"Of course." Dumbledore nodded and held it back out to Harry who tentatively took it and laid it in his lap.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Harry." Dumbledore smiled slightly, turned and walked toward the door.
"Thank you, Professor." Harry said quietly as his door closed. Seconds later he heard footsteps hurrying up the stairs and Hermione's voice say, "Harry?"
"Come in."
Hermione opened the door, her gaze anxious. "Are you all right?" She quickly crossed to the chair beside his bed.
Harry looked down at the letter and after a long moment said, "He left Grimmauld Place to me—" He had to stop as his voice caught in his throat.
Hermione covered Harry's hand gently with hers and said quietly, "Do you want to read the letter now or do you want me to put it somewhere else?"
Harry lifted his green eyes hesitantly to hers. "I think I want to read it now but would you please get Remus and Ron, too?"
"Of course." Hermione squeezed his hand softly then stood and began to walk toward the door.
"Hermione?"
She stopped and turned around.
His expression was unreadable. "Thanks."
Hermione nodded, knowing he was remembering what had happened last night and walked back to him. She bent down and wrapped her arms around him, whispering, "I hope you feel better." She felt Harry nod back against her cheek then she released him and walked to the door. She went downstairs quickly and found Ron, now dressed with Remus and Dumbledore talking in the kitchen.
Remus looked at Hermione. "How is he?"
"Better, but still tired and upset. He wants to read Sirius' letter and he wants Remus and Ron, too."
Dumbledore nodded. "I'll be back tomorrow morning, then. Remus, would you please talk with Harry about going to Grimmauld Place on Saturday?"
Remus nodded.
"Thank you. I'll check on him tomorrow—let me know if you need anything." And with a swish of his cloak, Dumbledore disappeared.
The three headed up the stairs and found Harry dressed in jeans and a T-Shirt sitting on the edge of his bed.
"'Lo, mate." Ron said quietly as he sat beside Harry on the bed. Harry looked up and nodded. Hermione sat down beside Ron and Remus sat in the chair.
Harry handed the letter to Remus. "Would you read it aloud, please?"
Remus slowly took the letter from Harry and unsealed it carefully. Sirius' handwriting became visible and Remus began:
Dear Harry,
If you're reading this, I'm no longer with you and the thought of that tortures me. First of all, I'm sorry. You've already had to face the death of your parents and now mine too, I guess. I have asked Remus to be your guardian in the event of my death and he has willingly agreed. In the event he is unable to fulfill that role, Arthur and Molly Weasley have willingly agreed to assume that responsibility.
Remus glanced at Harry for his reaction but he was staring at the floor. Ron put an arm around Harry's shoulders and Remus read on.
I never dreamed that I would have the privilege of getting to know you. I am thankful that I did. I want you to know that I couldn't be prouder of you. I just wish that James and Lily could see the man you are growing to be. They loved you so much and would be so very proud. You have more courage and heart than all the Marauders put together. I know that you are a great wizard and will continue to strengthen your skills. You have already proven that you are up to any task.
I have left Grimmauld Place to you. I'm sure you will allow the Order to continue using the house as a meeting place.
I am sorry that I won't be around to see you finish growing up. I envy Remus the chance to see that. I hope I will at least get to watch sometimes from eternity. Think of me and your parents smiling together over you.
Remus' voice wavered and he paused for a moment then went on:
You have some difficult things to face ahead of you but I know you will prevail as you always have. Let your friends help you and trust Dumbledore. They all love you as I do.
Sirius
Remus sighed, wiped his eyes with his fingers and looked at Harry who was sitting with his hands over his face. "Is it all right with you for me to be your guardian, Harry?"
Harry nodded and lowered his hands. "I'm glad it's you. Please, I-I want you to live at Grimmauld Place with me." Harry lifted his eyes hesitantly to see Remus' answer.
Remus nodded. "Of course. Why don't we go downstairs and finish breakfast," he said wondering if Harry would come down with them. He stood up and to his surprise; Harry stood too, but had cast his eyes back to the floor.
"I'm sorry, Remus," Harry's voice trembled.
"What?"
"For Sirius...you've lost your best friend." Harry's voice broke and he squeezed his eyes shut against his tears.
"Harry..." Remus hugged him fiercely.
vvvvvvvvv
They sat around the kitchen table. Harry was slowly munching on a piece of toast, the first food he'd had in several days. His eyes were still red and swollen but he appeared to be a little better.
Remus finished his bacon and looked across the table. "Harry what do you think about going to Grimmauld Place this Saturday?"
Harry swallowed and shrugged. "I guess that's okay." But he wasn't really looking forward to going back there. It had been bad enough even when Sirius was there. Still, it would be better than staying here with the Dursleys and he would get to see members of the Order as they dropped by or came to meetings. "Will Ron and Hermione stay there, too?" Harry looked at Remus then at the others.
"Certainly, if it's all right with their parents."
"I'd like that," Ron answered through a piece of toast. "I'm sure mum wouldn't mind."
"Actually, she and Ginny are also coming to stay when its time for the full moon."
Harry turned to Hermione. "How long will you be able to stay?"
"I think I can stay some of next week but my mum and dad have planned a holiday to Austria for us. I should be back right before the end of the month, though. I need to ring my mum this morning and let her know of my plans."
"You'll be gone for two weeks, then?" Harry tried not to let any disappointment show in his voice. 'Hermione has hardly seen her parents this year because of you,' he chastised himself.
"About that long. And I really would like to run home for a bit on Saturday and get some other clothes."
"Yeah, me too." Ron added pushing his chair back from the table.
"That sounds fine. I'm sure we can arrange it," Remus nodded and stood up as Dobby came to clear the table. "Thanks, Dobby. Good breakfast."
"Would it be all right with Harry Potter if Dobby went to Grimmauld Place, too?" The house-elf waited for his answer.
"Of course, Dobby, if it's all right with Dumbledore."
"He said it was fine with him," Dobby smiled happily as he cleaned.
The group moved to the living room and Ron sank down on the couch in front of the telly. Hermione and Harry also took places on the couch as Remus sat in the armchair.
"What about Kreacher?" Hermione asked in a low voice. "Will he be angry at having Dobby there?"
"Who cares what Kreacher thinks?" Harry's expression had gone stony.
"Actually, Kreacher is no longer alive," Remus said quietly.
"What happened?" asked Hermione frowning.
"We think he got too close to Buckbeak trying to get things from Sirius' mother's bedroom. Apparently Buckbeak remembered his injury from Kreacher and attacked him." Hermione gasped. "There wasn't much left."
Hermione shook her head and whispered, "Poor Kreacher."
Harry didn't want to say so in front of Hermione, but he was glad to hear this news. It had occurred to him that he would have to endure Kreacher if he were going to live at Grimmauld Place given the house-elf's knowledge of the Order. Harry had wondered if he'd be able to live in the same house with him. He was thankful he wouldn't have to deal with that problem now.
"Who's been taking care of Buckbeak?" Harry wanted to know.
"Several of us have taken turns over the past weeks. I know he'll be glad to see you three." Remus said and then stood up. "Er, I have an errand to run. I'll be gone until early afternoon. Think you all can manage for a bit?"
Harry asked. "Where are you going?"
"Just something to do with the Order. I'm meeting Tonks and Mad Eye." Remus took a look in the mirror on the wall next to him then smoothed his hair and straightened his robes a bit. "Be back soon." And with a swish of his cloak, he Disapparated.
Harry saw Hermione smile to herself and, catching her eye, looked at her inquisitively. She responded, "Is there something you would like to do, Harry? Remus brought a chess set and Ron's mum sent an Exploding Snap game, if you're interested." Hermione nudged Ron.
"What...oh, yeah, Harry. Fancy a game of chess? I might even let you win," Ron grinned.
Harry shrugged, "Sure..."
Later, Hermione coaxed them outside for a picnic out on the back lawn. Dobby had prepared sandwiches with crisps and pumpkin juice with rhubarb crumble for dessert. Ron and Hermione covertly exchanged small smiles when they noticed that Harry was eating a little of everything. When they had finished eating, they lay in the grass and contentedly watched the thick clouds drifting across the sky. The back door squeaked opened and they turned to see Remus walking towards them in muggle clothing. He sat on the ground next to them and looked up. "Seen anything interesting?"
Hermione sat up and smiled. "Not particularly, but it's such a nice day, who cares? Did your errand go well?"
"Yes, fine." Remus nodded.
Ron propped himself up on his elbows. "Any news from the Order?"
"Things have been pretty quiet lately. It's been easier to recruit people now that the Ministry is admitting that Voldemort is back. People like your father and the other members of the Order don't have to be so careful anymore. Other things are easier, too, like getting Portkeys issued that we need and so on.
"How are Tonks and Moody?" Harry sat up now, too.
"Fine...they were asking about you as a matter of fact. I told them we were coming to Grimmauld Place in two days. They said to tell you 'Hello' and 'See you soon'."
"Harry, I was thinking." Ron said. "If you're feeling up to it Saturday, why don't we go to Diagon Alley for a quick visit in the afternoon? We could floo there from Grimmauld Place and see Fred and George's joke shop."
"That'd be all right, I guess. Remus?"
"It's fine with me but let me check with Dumbledore first."
Harry nodded. "Is that all right with you, Hermione?"
"Sure, I've been wanting to see the joke shop myself," she smiled.
Chapter Five
Harry heard a soft knock on his door. He propped himself up on his elbows blinking in the daylight as the door opened slowly.
"Good morning, Harry." Dumbledore smiled as he walked in. "May I?" He gestured to the chair.
Harry nodded, reached for his glasses and sat up fully.
"I heard you were able to get some rest last night."
"Yes, at least for awhile, thanks."
"Good. Harry, I have been thinking and I believe it would be a good idea for you to go to Grimmauld Place this Saturday with Remus before the Dursleys return." Dumbledore kept his eyes on Harry's. "Sirius left his home to you."
Harry lowered his eyes. "I don't deserve to—"
"Harry...I know this will be difficult for you...I wish I could do something to make it easier. I'm sorry." Dumbledore reached into his robe and brought out an envelope. "Sirius left this letter for you..."
Harry slowly lifted his head and saw his name written in Sirius' scrawl. He felt as though icy water had suddenly replaced the blood in his veins. He looked numbly up at Dumbledore then back at the envelope but couldn't seem to gather the strength to reach for the letter.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I'll keep this for you until you're ready." Dumbledore stood tucking the letter in his robes, his voice somber. "I'll leave more Sleeping Draught with Remus if you want to use it again tonight." He clasped Harry's shoulder gently then turned to leave.
"Professor," Harry said quietly and Dumbledore turned back. "Could I please have the letter?"
"Of course." Dumbledore nodded and held it back out to Harry who tentatively took it and laid it in his lap.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Harry." Dumbledore smiled slightly, turned and walked toward the door.
"Thank you, Professor." Harry said quietly as his door closed. Seconds later he heard footsteps hurrying up the stairs and Hermione's voice say, "Harry?"
"Come in."
Hermione opened the door, her gaze anxious. "Are you all right?" She quickly crossed to the chair beside his bed.
Harry looked down at the letter and after a long moment said, "He left Grimmauld Place to me—" He had to stop as his voice caught in his throat.
Hermione covered Harry's hand gently with hers and said quietly, "Do you want to read the letter now or do you want me to put it somewhere else?"
Harry lifted his green eyes hesitantly to hers. "I think I want to read it now but would you please get Remus and Ron, too?"
"Of course." Hermione squeezed his hand softly then stood and began to walk toward the door.
"Hermione?"
She stopped and turned around.
His expression was unreadable. "Thanks."
Hermione nodded, knowing he was remembering what had happened last night and walked back to him. She bent down and wrapped her arms around him, whispering, "I hope you feel better." She felt Harry nod back against her cheek then she released him and walked to the door. She went downstairs quickly and found Ron, now dressed with Remus and Dumbledore talking in the kitchen.
Remus looked at Hermione. "How is he?"
"Better, but still tired and upset. He wants to read Sirius' letter and he wants Remus and Ron, too."
Dumbledore nodded. "I'll be back tomorrow morning, then. Remus, would you please talk with Harry about going to Grimmauld Place on Saturday?"
Remus nodded.
"Thank you. I'll check on him tomorrow—let me know if you need anything." And with a swish of his cloak, Dumbledore disappeared.
The three headed up the stairs and found Harry dressed in jeans and a T-Shirt sitting on the edge of his bed.
"'Lo, mate." Ron said quietly as he sat beside Harry on the bed. Harry looked up and nodded. Hermione sat down beside Ron and Remus sat in the chair.
Harry handed the letter to Remus. "Would you read it aloud, please?"
Remus slowly took the letter from Harry and unsealed it carefully. Sirius' handwriting became visible and Remus began:
Dear Harry,
If you're reading this, I'm no longer with you and the thought of that tortures me. First of all, I'm sorry. You've already had to face the death of your parents and now mine too, I guess. I have asked Remus to be your guardian in the event of my death and he has willingly agreed. In the event he is unable to fulfill that role, Arthur and Molly Weasley have willingly agreed to assume that responsibility.
Remus glanced at Harry for his reaction but he was staring at the floor. Ron put an arm around Harry's shoulders and Remus read on.
I never dreamed that I would have the privilege of getting to know you. I am thankful that I did. I want you to know that I couldn't be prouder of you. I just wish that James and Lily could see the man you are growing to be. They loved you so much and would be so very proud. You have more courage and heart than all the Marauders put together. I know that you are a great wizard and will continue to strengthen your skills. You have already proven that you are up to any task.
I have left Grimmauld Place to you. I'm sure you will allow the Order to continue using the house as a meeting place.
I am sorry that I won't be around to see you finish growing up. I envy Remus the chance to see that. I hope I will at least get to watch sometimes from eternity. Think of me and your parents smiling together over you.
Remus' voice wavered and he paused for a moment then went on:
You have some difficult things to face ahead of you but I know you will prevail as you always have. Let your friends help you and trust Dumbledore. They all love you as I do.
Sirius
Remus sighed, wiped his eyes with his fingers and looked at Harry who was sitting with his hands over his face. "Is it all right with you for me to be your guardian, Harry?"
Harry nodded and lowered his hands. "I'm glad it's you. Please, I-I want you to live at Grimmauld Place with me." Harry lifted his eyes hesitantly to see Remus' answer.
Remus nodded. "Of course. Why don't we go downstairs and finish breakfast," he said wondering if Harry would come down with them. He stood up and to his surprise; Harry stood too, but had cast his eyes back to the floor.
"I'm sorry, Remus," Harry's voice trembled.
"What?"
"For Sirius...you've lost your best friend." Harry's voice broke and he squeezed his eyes shut against his tears.
"Harry..." Remus hugged him fiercely.
vvvvvvvvv
They sat around the kitchen table. Harry was slowly munching on a piece of toast, the first food he'd had in several days. His eyes were still red and swollen but he appeared to be a little better.
Remus finished his bacon and looked across the table. "Harry what do you think about going to Grimmauld Place this Saturday?"
Harry swallowed and shrugged. "I guess that's okay." But he wasn't really looking forward to going back there. It had been bad enough even when Sirius was there. Still, it would be better than staying here with the Dursleys and he would get to see members of the Order as they dropped by or came to meetings. "Will Ron and Hermione stay there, too?" Harry looked at Remus then at the others.
"Certainly, if it's all right with their parents."
"I'd like that," Ron answered through a piece of toast. "I'm sure mum wouldn't mind."
"Actually, she and Ginny are also coming to stay when its time for the full moon."
Harry turned to Hermione. "How long will you be able to stay?"
"I think I can stay some of next week but my mum and dad have planned a holiday to Austria for us. I should be back right before the end of the month, though. I need to ring my mum this morning and let her know of my plans."
"You'll be gone for two weeks, then?" Harry tried not to let any disappointment show in his voice. 'Hermione has hardly seen her parents this year because of you,' he chastised himself.
"About that long. And I really would like to run home for a bit on Saturday and get some other clothes."
"Yeah, me too." Ron added pushing his chair back from the table.
"That sounds fine. I'm sure we can arrange it," Remus nodded and stood up as Dobby came to clear the table. "Thanks, Dobby. Good breakfast."
"Would it be all right with Harry Potter if Dobby went to Grimmauld Place, too?" The house-elf waited for his answer.
"Of course, Dobby, if it's all right with Dumbledore."
"He said it was fine with him," Dobby smiled happily as he cleaned.
The group moved to the living room and Ron sank down on the couch in front of the telly. Hermione and Harry also took places on the couch as Remus sat in the armchair.
"What about Kreacher?" Hermione asked in a low voice. "Will he be angry at having Dobby there?"
"Who cares what Kreacher thinks?" Harry's expression had gone stony.
"Actually, Kreacher is no longer alive," Remus said quietly.
"What happened?" asked Hermione frowning.
"We think he got too close to Buckbeak trying to get things from Sirius' mother's bedroom. Apparently Buckbeak remembered his injury from Kreacher and attacked him." Hermione gasped. "There wasn't much left."
Hermione shook her head and whispered, "Poor Kreacher."
Harry didn't want to say so in front of Hermione, but he was glad to hear this news. It had occurred to him that he would have to endure Kreacher if he were going to live at Grimmauld Place given the house-elf's knowledge of the Order. Harry had wondered if he'd be able to live in the same house with him. He was thankful he wouldn't have to deal with that problem now.
"Who's been taking care of Buckbeak?" Harry wanted to know.
"Several of us have taken turns over the past weeks. I know he'll be glad to see you three." Remus said and then stood up. "Er, I have an errand to run. I'll be gone until early afternoon. Think you all can manage for a bit?"
Harry asked. "Where are you going?"
"Just something to do with the Order. I'm meeting Tonks and Mad Eye." Remus took a look in the mirror on the wall next to him then smoothed his hair and straightened his robes a bit. "Be back soon." And with a swish of his cloak, he Disapparated.
Harry saw Hermione smile to herself and, catching her eye, looked at her inquisitively. She responded, "Is there something you would like to do, Harry? Remus brought a chess set and Ron's mum sent an Exploding Snap game, if you're interested." Hermione nudged Ron.
"What...oh, yeah, Harry. Fancy a game of chess? I might even let you win," Ron grinned.
Harry shrugged, "Sure..."
Later, Hermione coaxed them outside for a picnic out on the back lawn. Dobby had prepared sandwiches with crisps and pumpkin juice with rhubarb crumble for dessert. Ron and Hermione covertly exchanged small smiles when they noticed that Harry was eating a little of everything. When they had finished eating, they lay in the grass and contentedly watched the thick clouds drifting across the sky. The back door squeaked opened and they turned to see Remus walking towards them in muggle clothing. He sat on the ground next to them and looked up. "Seen anything interesting?"
Hermione sat up and smiled. "Not particularly, but it's such a nice day, who cares? Did your errand go well?"
"Yes, fine." Remus nodded.
Ron propped himself up on his elbows. "Any news from the Order?"
"Things have been pretty quiet lately. It's been easier to recruit people now that the Ministry is admitting that Voldemort is back. People like your father and the other members of the Order don't have to be so careful anymore. Other things are easier, too, like getting Portkeys issued that we need and so on.
"How are Tonks and Moody?" Harry sat up now, too.
"Fine...they were asking about you as a matter of fact. I told them we were coming to Grimmauld Place in two days. They said to tell you 'Hello' and 'See you soon'."
"Harry, I was thinking." Ron said. "If you're feeling up to it Saturday, why don't we go to Diagon Alley for a quick visit in the afternoon? We could floo there from Grimmauld Place and see Fred and George's joke shop."
"That'd be all right, I guess. Remus?"
"It's fine with me but let me check with Dumbledore first."
Harry nodded. "Is that all right with you, Hermione?"
"Sure, I've been wanting to see the joke shop myself," she smiled.