Chapter 7 – Supplies
The day after Ron and Hermione left, the four permanent occupants of the house were seated around the kitchen table, which had become a regular event.
In the mornings Harry, Sirius and Remus would wake and arrive downstairs to find Arabella Figg in the kitchen making breakfast.
"Morning Bella," said Harry.
"Hello Harry and did you have a nice sleep?"
"Fine thankyou." And he took his seat at the breakfast table, waiting for the two other male occupants of the house to wake.
After years of living with the Dursley's Harry had become use to how things would work. His Aunt Petunia would wake him in the morning, with her screaming for him to 'get up you useless boy and make breakfast.' But here he was allowed to sleep till when ever he felt like waking and was never expected to make breakfast. The few times he had awoken early to help Arabella, and set the table, she had forced him to sit down while she took care of it all. However if Sirius or Remus ever offered she would gladly accept the help.
"So how long do you think it shall be before your Godfather and Remus will wake up? Before or after I set the breakfast on the table?"
"After."
"Yeah you are probably right, you know your father use to be the same."
This was one of Harry's favourite things about his Godmother, the stories she told.
"When I would stay over, after looking after you for the night; your mother would be down in the kitchen making breakfast in a long green robe your father had bought her to match her eyes. She would be carrying you on her hip as she worked humming to you, while she cooked. You see your father would always sleep till late, must be a habit that all the Marauders picked up." She smirked to herself, remembering that familiar trait of Sirius's. "So, you and your mama and I would be fixing breakfast, and as soon as it would be done and placed on the table your father would come done the stairs."
He loved these stories; over the past few years he had been told a great deal about his father. However until Arabella had come into his life, his mother had remained a mystery to him.
So as soon as she had placed the pates on the table, it was like a door bell ringing.
"Morning Bella and it would seem you have made another lovely breakfast." Sirius announced as he sat down at the table.
'Right on time' she thought. "Well I see your timing is as great as ever."
"Arh come on Bella, what's up this morning; that time of the month again?" He smirked.
"SIRIUS ORIN BLACK... YOU EVER SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO ME AGAIN AND YOU WILL MAKE UP WITH SOMETHING YOU PRIDE MISSING... WELL ACTUALLY CUT OFF!" She yelled.
Remus sat down calmly next to Harry, watching the exchange
"Arrh, Bella down be like that; not in front of Harry." He looked to Remus for support.
"Leave me out of this Sirius." When receiving no support from his former friend, he turned to his Godson. Who immediately deserted him, as he saw that this was going to be a loosing battle.
"Thanks kid. Well, what I was trying to say is that you don't seem like yourself."
"Sirius... shut up." Remus gave some extremely good advice to his friend.
"What I didn't do anything wrong?"
"Sirius you would be best to take Remmy's advice before you find poison in your food." Bella snapped.
So Sirius fell quiet, it was funny how Harry had always been told how Sirius had always been such a ladies man, well if today was any example he had defiantly been grossly lied to.
"Remus, what's up with Sirius I thought you said he use to be a ladies man?" Harry whispered.
"He did its your godmother that makes him act like an idiot." He whispered back, trying not to laugh.
Harry's Godparents remained oblivious to the conversation, Sirius sat quietly eating his breakfast while Arabella fussed around Harry loading his plate up with food and getting him a drink; as he was still far to skinny in her opinion.
"Well what is it you have planned for today, Harry dear?"
"Umm, not sure."
"Well, what do you say to a game of Quidditch Harry?" Sirius asked.
"No you don't, Mr Black! You will be de-gnome the garden."
"What, why Bella, what did I do?"
"You really want an answer to that.' Remus tried desperately not to laugh.
"What are you laughing at Remus, you will be helping him."
"Arh Bella... I would but you know; I arh... have to go see professor Snape about my Wolfbrane potion." He had actually done this yesterday but he really hated de-gnome the garden.
"Moony didn't you do that yesterday." 'Pay backs a bitch,' thought Sirius. Remus could only glare at his former best friend.
"Remus I can't believe you would lie to me."
"Well you see..."
"Stop, now I want you two out there denomeing as soon as breakfast finishes."
"Well... what about me?" Harry asked.
"No Harry, you don't have to. You should go flying or something; enjoy your summer. Your male guardians can work out in the garden."
"But, I would like to help."
"No Harry... you can finish your homework or something instead."
"Harry I think what your Godmother is trying to say that she favours you and therefore doesn't want you to lift a finger." Sirius complained.
"And for once in your life you happen to be right on your first try. She smiled at all the occupants of the house especially Harry."
The rest of the time pasted quickly, breakfast at this particular house was always eventful, sure the usual small talk occurred but you also had the light and non - meaningful bickering between Sirius and Bella. Remus played mediator, while Harry watched enjoying the scene in front of him. 'This is what a family was meant to be like.' Now they were his, if he couldn't have his parents, his guardians would defiantly do.
"Well you two off to the garden, I don't want to find a single Gnome out there when I come to inspect it."
"Arh come on Bella this is cruel." Sirius whinnied.
"Now!!"
Two owls few in the window, one with a daily prophet attached to its leg, which Arabella promptly paid. Once its contents had been delivered it left. The second owl was a plain brown Tawney owl, from Hogwarts.
Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Snuffles
Please come to my office at 12:00 pm today.
Thankyou Professor Dumbledore
Remus read the letter allowed, "Well Bella it appears that we shall be unable to work in the garden today." Sirius mocked.
"So sad," added Remus.
"Yes how sad indeed it looks like you wont get today or tomorrow to do what you wont, because tomorrow you are working in the garden."
Remus and Sirius sat shocked 'could this woman be that evil?' they thought.
"Well Harry, since if seems we have to go out today, why don't you ask Ron and Hermione to come over, so that you have something to do."
"No it's alright Bella they are both out today anyway. I have things that I should do today anyway like a potions essay."
"Yes, the essay you had me help you with last week?"
"Well... no it's another; Snape decided to be especially harsh these holidays."
This was all that was needed to convince Remus and Sirius they knew the lengths that Snape went to torture his students. However Arabella was no convinced. Despite the Marauders abhorrence of Serveus Snape, she and Lilly had always been quiet friendly with the talented Slytherin.
Harry wasn't lying really he did have two potions essays these holidays; however he had finished them both. He just didn't want to be a bother to any of them. They had done more for him then they would ever know; they had given him a family.
"You know Harry you could come with us to Hogwarts I am sure Dumbledore wouldn't mind you could go and see Hagrid, while we are talking with him." 'I am babying him aren't I but I don't care,' she thought.
"Bella, leave Harry alone he will be fine here on his own, and you know it." Sirius remarked.
"Of course I know that, however...'
"Arabella, I am sure Harry will be fine, however we will be late if we don't leave soon." Remus interjected.
Harry was thankful to both men. They were both like his Godfathers now and would have been if not for Remus's Lycanthropy. Arabella had told Harry how Lilly had wanted both men and James had agreed with her but when they had tried to make it legal, the ministry of magic had stepped in. Remus had never said anything but she said how this had always caused him great pain as this was one of the primary reason his petition to obtain custody of Harry had been denied. As well as Dumbledore's insistence that Harry be placed in his Aunt's care for protection.
"Yes of course, well we better get going. Harry we are only a fire call away if you need us. And you can always call Tonks if you need to."
"Bella stop fussing you are worse then Lilly when one of use to babysitting him."
"Sirius she had reason to worry when you were babysitting. You took Harry flying before he was even a year old." Sirius blushed remembering Lilly's face when he had been caught.
Remus for the second time this morning was trying not to laugh. "I'll tell you the story later." He whispered.
"Ok, lets get going Harry you sure you will be alright on your own?"
"Yes I will I promise."
"Come on Bella" both Remus and Sirius grabbed one of Arabella's arms each and lightly directed her over to the fireplace.
"Bye Harry." She called
"Bye Bella."
"Bye Harry" Remus and Sirius echoed the Godmothers sediments and they all disappeared through the fireplace.
'Well I wonder what I am going to do now; I guess I could always pack my truck. It will probably take me the entire day to find all my things anyway since Sirius and Remus hid them all over the house.'
"Bella how are you possible going to let him come back to school next week if you can't leave him along for an afternoon?" Sirius asked.
"I am not that bad."
"You are Bella," added Remus.
The headmaster opened the wall to the staircase, which lead up to his office. The three former students followed the headmaster and sat in the three seats he offered.
"Well I have asked you all here because I have an offer to make each of you." The three former students were all intrigued at what the professor had to say.
"Remus, you can probably guess why, you re here. We have had particular trouble finding a Defence Against Dark Arts teacher, since particular facts about Alustes experience here have circulated. So I was hoping you would accept my offer, and what you could call a plea; that you come back and teach here."
"Albus, I would love to but...."
"Remus, as I have said before there is no need to worry about your condition, or the objections people will hold. Many of our students were particularly sadden by your departure and the objections you believe the parents had were not as many as you would think, there was only one person that really thought your were unfit and that was Lucas Malfoy."
Sirius snared, it was people like the Malfoy's that had always seen to it that werewolves were never given a chance.
"Umm, well professor if you believe that it will be safe, I would love to come back." Remus and Albus both smiled. Remus was gong to be doing something he loved and made him happy while the headmaster was getting back the best DADA teacher he had ever had.
"Good now that is settled. Now I must inform you of a tragic event. The day after the last order meeting I was informed that Sybil Trelawney, while visiting her family was killed. It seems that Voldemort was trying to retrieve the information about the prophecy that was lost at the end of the year. However now I am without a Divination teacher so is as hoping that Arabella would take the position. As I believe you are qualified enough, being a seer."
"Well you are mistaken Professor because I am not a seer if I was events that need not have taken please, would have been stopped."
"I believe that you who is mistaken my dear. You are a fire gazer."
"No I have been lucky."
"Bella you know that is not true.'
"It is Remus."
"Arabella, you must learn that you are a true seer, and that events which are seen and can't be seen are already predetermined. You can not blame yourself when there is nothing you could have done."
"Perhaps, but I don't think this is the time for this discussion."
"You are right."
"So will you take the position?"
"Yes."
"Well Bella it looks like you won't need to worry about leaving Harry this year." Sirius teased. Arabella glared at him in annoyance that he would say such a thing in front of the headmaster.
Dumbledore smiled. "Now for the last order of business and this concerns you Sirius. I believe it would be beneficial for all if Snuffles was to occupancy his owner Remus Lupin this year enabling him to keep a watchful eye on a few Gryffindor students as well as I am sure Remus could us a subject to demonstrate curse on during the year." The last part was said with such mirth that the headmaster was having a hard time controlling himself.
"Excellent this will be great, thankyou Headmaster." Sirius didn't seem to here the end of the headmaster's comments but lost interest in the conversation after the professor had expressed his wish for him to stay at Hogwarts. 'The pranks I can pull.' Sirius smiled to himself.
"Well I believe it is best for all, plus you do pine when you are left alone." Sirius blushed at Dumbledore's comment.
"Now since this is all out of the way how about some lunch?'
"Well Professor that is a lovely thought, however we really should get home and make sure Harry is ok."
"I thought you would say that, so I sent Dobby to go and make sure Mr Potter is alright." He tried not to smile.
"Well I guess we can stay for lunch then." Remus said.
Harry was in his room he had only found half of what he need and was now trying to work out what else was missing. When a loud pop caused him to jump. He turned around to find Dobby the house elf staying behind him.
"Dobby, what are you doing here?"
"Well Harry Potter sir, Dobby is coming to see if you need anything. Master Dumbledore told Dobby to make sure that Harry Potter has everything that he needs."
"Well, thanks Dobby but there is nothing really I need help with. You see right now I am just looking for my things so I can pack my trunk for Hogwarts."
"Well that Harry Potter sir is something Dobby can help with using house elf magic." Dobby put his hands up straight in the air and bought them quickly down in front of him causing a loud clap when they met. All Harry's items appeared on his bed cleaned and polished.
"Thankyou Dobby you have saved one so much time, I don't know how to thankyou."
"Harry Potter is so kind; he need not need to thank Dobby, Dobby was just glad to be of help. If Harry Potter would like Dobby can pack his trunk."
"Dobby there really is no need but if you like." He didn't mind the elf helping him, but he didn't want Dobby to go to any extra trouble for him.
"It's no trouble at all sirs," so with a wave of him hands Harry's trunk was packed.
"Thankyou Dobby, since you are my guest after all; would you like a tour of the house." So Harry and Dobby walked around the house for the next 10 minutes, then sat down to lunch, which Dobby had insisted on making.
A few hours later Dobby had left and Harry's guardians were returning home.
"You know what we never thought of, Harry; we never asked him if he wants us there. I mean what kid would want the closest thing he has to parents around him all the time at school." Arabella said.
"Nah Harry wont mind." Sirius answered.
"Well we will just have to ask him." Remus provided the logical solution to their current problem.
"Harry dear could you come down here please." Arabella called to the top of the stairs.
"Coming." Harry called.
"Harry sit down we need to talk to you. Today Professor Dumbledore offered Remus and me teaching positions for the year and for Sirius to occupancy Remus as his pet dog Snuffles. Is this alright with you?'
"Yes of course why wouldn't it be?"
"It doesn't matter, all that matters is that you're ok with the idea."
The rest of the night passed quickly.
The next morning Arabella was busy running around the house making sure that everyone would have everything they need for the up going year.
Sirius was working in the garden; he was de-gnome. Remus had escaped the task in the morning as he assured Bella that he needed to go to Diagon Alley to pick up a few things so that he would be able to teach his first classes. Sirius had moaned and mentioned something about a trick to get out of doing housework. He also mumbled about payback later. Remus had asked Harry if he would like to come. Harry said yes immediately as Bella was a person one didn't like to be around she was cleaning and packing.
The had taken the floo network to the leaky cauldron and from there they proceeded to the Arphorcy.
It was about 10am in the morning, when a loud knock got the Summers attention. Mr Summers opened the door and a very large man stood in the door way.
"ello, my name's Rebus Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore sent me to help youn' Kath'rine gets her school sup'lies. I'm t'e game keeper at Hogwarts."
"Oh yes the headmaster said you would becoming we are very grateful for this."
"Think nothin' of it."
Katherine and Hagrid had taken the underground to get to the Leaky Cauldron. The entire time Katherine asked questions about the wizarding world, the people in it, Hogwarts and any other questions, which popped into her head.
"So Hagrid, what is wee going to do first."
"Well we need to go to Gringots to change the muggle money into wizardin' currency. Ya got your Hogwarts list?"
"Yes, so can I really bring a pet?"
"Yep, wat you goin' to bring."
"I would like to bring my cat Charlotte so at least I know someone there."
"Ah don't worry; in no time ya make heaps of friends, I felt the same way on my first day. Will 'ello Professor, Harry. Kath'rine, this is Professor Lupin who teachers defence against the dark arts, and the lad next to him is Harry Potter."
"Well hello, how do you do I'm Katherine Summers?" She shooks both men's hands.
Harry looked at the beautiful 16 year old girl with red hair the most fascination feature about her was her eyes. The colour of them seemed to draw him in but he couldn't describe them. They weren't any colour he had seen before, a mixture of blue, green and grey that blended together but on closer inspection you were able to see each separate colour and how they blended together in a type of rainbow.
"Well Hagrid what brings yo to Diagon Alley today?" Lupin asked.
"Ah just helpin' Kath'rine, get her school supplies."
"Ah very well."
Hagrid and Remus just looked at Katherine and Harry who still hadn't released each others hands.
"Well Harry, we probably should be going we still have to go pick up a few things."
"Ah yeah ok Remus."
"Well I guess I shall see you on the train."
"Train?" Katherine asked.
"Ah yeh I havn't gotten to that bit yet Kath'rine."
"Ok I will just have to take your word for it then Harry. But it was nice to meet you and you professor Lupin."
They all shook hands and departed. Remus and Harry had to pick up a few things yet before departing. Once or twice Harry had caught a few glimmers of the red head, who was accompanying his first ever friend.
Remus couldn't help but smirk at his unofficial Godson. 'I have to tell Sirius about this one.'
"Hey Remus what do you know about Katherine?"
"Not very much."
"Well how is it that if she is new just coming to Hogwarts that she doesn't know about the train and why is Hagrid showing her around?"
"I ... arh don't actually know the answers to those questions; maybe you should ask her on the train." It was the first white lie he had told his godson and he felt awful about it. But as those answers were all to do with the order of the Phoenix, he couldn't actually say them.
Once they arrived home Remus had been told by Arabella to go outside a help Sirius he wasn't getting out of it that easy.
So the two friends were left out in the garden alone.
"So Moony how was Diagon Alley today, must have been more fun the spending the entire day in this ruddy garden."
"Padfoot, get over it or I wont tell you something about Harry."
"Now Moony you can't do that to me. Spill."
"Fine... well today while we were in Diagon Alley, Harry and I met up with Hagrid who happened to be showing around Katherine Summers."
Sirius looked puzzled. He remembered the name but couldn't connect it.
"The phoenix child."
"Oh yeah thanks Moony, mental blank and all."
"Well as I was saying, we met up with them introductions were exchanged and your Godson got that looking him eyes... you know the one James go the first time he saw Lilly. Well after we left shop that shop we continued getting everything we had to pick up and Harry would spend the entire time looking out the window to see if he could spot them." Remus and Sirius both smiled at each other.
"Well this is good news." Sirius smiled.
"And how would that be so?"
"Now I have someone to pass all my wisdom to women about onto."
"And what wisdom would that be, from my recollections the only girl you truly loved was Arabella and she hated what you would call your wisdom."
"Ah well yes, but Bella is I mean was a different kind of women."
"Yeah she wouldn't put up with your crap," laughed Remus
"Hey Moony that was harsh."
"But true. So speaking of Bella what's going on between you two?"
"Moony to tell you the truth I have no idea. I don't know if I even have a shot anymore; 12 years is a long time."
"Padfoot, I can't believe it, the mightily Mr Padfoot giving up."
"Well I hate to disappoint Mr Moony so I guess I am back in the game."
TBC
An: to who ever is reading this i work on the policy once i get a review for a chapter you will get the next one in the next 24 hours. :D Just thought you might want to know. So R & R and make everyone happy