A Different Kind of Life
By KerrianneLupin
Chapter four
Welcome home Harry
DISCLAIMER – None of the characters here belong to me
AUTHOR NOTE – Wow that was quite the response. I'm glad everyone's enjoying it so much. It's actually been beta-read so thank so much for that Nadine and well… I hope you enjoy this one as much.
THANKS YOU – scroll to your name please
Geha – ahhh I'm so glad that you like the way I do Remus and Harry, I just love the pair of them so I try and make them believable, just remember how great your own story is and you better put my name down, cheeky sod. Hope you like this one as much.
Tanydwr – What the nickname Puppy? Glad you like it! When he's older the nickname will change but it's fine for now. Glad you liked the story
Amyaggie – heehee our lovely Werewolf is a natural father but trust me he will mess out, he does it ever so slightly in this chapter but if you be patient then you'll be rewarded!
Athenakitty – Hmmm none of those ideas have been mentioned yet, I may do some of them. Hopefully this chapter will make up for it!
Daena Greenflame – (Kerri blushes) thanks for all the compliments, compliments like that always make me happy. Thanks for offering your services to me but I found someone but I'll keep you in mind. I'm fond of this story so it probably reflects in my work, anyhow I hope you like this chapter as well.
Mikee – Yeah changing the house colours wasn't actually going to happen, in fact in the first draft it didn't but when I was editing and going through it to see if I could add anything it suddenly came to me and was so perfect it had to be in, after all Remus was a Marauder! I'm trying my best with Harry it honestly doesn't help that I've never been around 4 years old for a long period of time and I come from a happy home, anyway that's enough from me, hope you enjoy the chapter!
Shea Loner – Fat Lards? Bloody love the nickname for the Dursley, it's suits them so well I think. Anyway glad you like the story so far!
Japonica – Hmmm I used a wee bit of your idea about showing him the house but I think the Dumbledore thing might take a chapter to itself once I make Remus get through with him. Lol, Too trusting? Perhaps but I was going alone the lines of Remus generally looks like a nice bloke and when you're starved of attention you cling to the first person to show you kindness. Anyway glad you like the chapter!
Nadia Greenleaf – Firstly great job with the Beta-reading :0D It makes my life so much easier, secondly the nickname Puppy, gosh when I put it in I didn't realise I'd get so much of a response to it. It was done sub consciously to be honest, when I talk to my cousin who's 6 I often refer to her as Puppy or Kitten as a term on endearment and hence when Remus calls him something it was Puppy. So sorry about that (Kerri looks shamefaced) I didn't mean anything by it. Glad you like it!
Child of the new dawn – I know I've always thought that Remus, in spite of his condition, would have made a great father so I'm giving him the chance to be! Anyway hope you enjoy this chapter!
Dimgwrthien – Glad you're liking the story and here's the update you wanted!
Lady melime Alasse – To get the answer to your question you'll have to read book 5! I'm revealing nothing. I know Remmie is a wolf but when I called Harry Puppy it was because I refer to small children as Puppy or kitten for some bizarre reason so Remus called Harry what I would probably have called it. Sorry!
Moongirl – You'd be surprised at how many people loved the nickname Puppy and how others didn't oh well it's not important. Glad you're liking the story so far. Hopefully this chapter will live up to your expectations!
Marauder3Moony – Yeah Remus would have made a great father in my eyes, I'm glad you like it so much and think it's adorable, I personally find Harry adorable, bless his cotton socks!
Remus stepped out into the sunlight and looked around him squinting slightly in the sunlight after being in the darkened hallway. Harry's arms were still round his neck and the grip was tight, tighter then Remus would have liked it to be, but he didn't have the heart to turn round and say anything to the young boy.
He began walking down the path, keeping silent as he did, a feeling of nervousness was beginning to seep into him; he was actually responsible for the small boy in his arms. Harry would look to him now for protection against his fears. If anything went wrong then it would be Remus that Harry ran to for comfort and the thought frankly terrified the Werewolf. He had only ever been responsible for himself, he had never even had a pet before, and now he had a 4 year old to look after.
"Moony" Remus looked down at the small face by him to see Harry looking at him, a doubtful expression on his face as the green eyes swirled with tears. Remus blinked in surprise
"Harry?" he said, "What's wrong?" he hoisted him up slightly so Harry was balanced more comfortably on his hip and waited for an answer. Harry fidgeted slightly as he spoke
"Are you mad with me?" he asked his lower lip trembling slightly; he looked away from Remus's face and instead studied the ground. Remus stopped half way across the road and looked at Harry with a frown. How was he meant to handle this? He had always remembered Harry as a happy baby, eager to make friends with the world. Just what had Petunia and her husband done to the boy to make him so terrified that he had done something wrong when someone went silent around him? Using his other hand Remus ran it through his hair trying to think of the best way of approaching the situation.
"I'm not mad with you Harry," he said carefully keeping his voice low, Harry peaked up at him through his fringe of black hair his eyes looking hopeful. Remus continued, "Listen Harry if I go silent around you it doesn't mean anything, ok? I could never be mad at you." Harry looked confused for a second before he smiled hesitantly at him. Remus grinned back, causing Harry smile to bloom. "Happy now?" he asked and Harry nodded his head. "Good." Remus began walking again towards number 7, being sure to talk as he did. "So Harry," he began "Like ice cream?" He could remember how much Lily had liked the stuff, especially strawberry, so it made sense to Remus that Harry would adore it as well. Harry frowned
"Ice cream?" he repeated. Remus looked at him and nodded his head
"Yeah ice cream you know the cold stuff that tastes real good?" Harry looked confused for a second then nodded, his face dropping in expression
"Not allowed it," he muttered looking miserable, "Dudley only" Remus's mouth fell open in surprise before he could stop it.
"Harry," he said, "Have you never tasted ice cream?" Harry shook his head. "What about chocolate, you know, the brown stuff." Once again, Remus received the same negative reply. "Biscuits? The flat things," he asked, a feeling of hopelessness coming over him. He wished he could head back to the now neon green house, kick the neon pink door down and curse Petunia to hell. What kind of 4 year old had never tasted even a biscuit before? "It's not your fault Harry," he murmured comfortingly. He raised his hand and knocked on the door of number 7, frowning to himself. The door opened revealing Arabella. She went to greet him but stopped, looking pass him instead. She stared at the Dursley's house in shock before her eyes crinkled at the corners and she began laughing helplessly.
"Oh Remus, it's perfect," she said, clutching her side as she held the door open for them to come in. "They are so desperate to be normal and you've just hit them where it hurt the most. It will takes days to bring the house back to normal and months for the gossip to die down. They'll be mortified. I wouldn't be surprised if Petunia is crying right now in her house," Remus gave a smug smile of satisfaction before turning and speaking. Harry had hesitantly rested his head against Remus's shoulder and when he wasn't screamed at for touching the man he had began to smile in relief. Remus hefted him up again.
"Did you know what they had done to him?" he demanded of her in rapid French. Although Remus was Irish his father had been French and had taught his youngest son French. Years and years of practice had ensured that Remus could speak and understand it as well as a native, though he rarely used it except in situations like this when he didn't want anyone to understand him. Arabella went red but met the angry eyes head on
"I was aware of it," she replied back in shaky French. Remus placed a hand gently at the back of Harry's head and pushed his head against his shoulder so he wouldn't see the scowl he gave the older woman
"How could you not do anything then if you saw? Did Dumbledore know about this? It was blatant abuse why did you not get him out sooner?" he was furious, white hot rage burned through him making him grit his teeth together to stop from growling
"I don't know," she said. "I told him so many times what was going on Remus, I really did, there's no point getting mad at me. What could I do?" Remus gave a jerky shrug and looked away. She was right there was only one person to get mad at, the person he would soon be seeing. He removed his hand and Harry looked up at him with the same hesitant smile. A glance in the wary green eyes sent Remus's anger ebbing out of him. He sighed as he smiled, watching the answering smile come across Harry's face. Remus turned to Arabella who was watching the pair of them
"I'm sorry, you're right," he said returning to English she smiled at him
"I can understand your anger I would be feeling it to," she remarked sending a quick glance at Harry. She turned to Remus "Are you wanting to go now?" she asked, bending down to stroke the cat that was wrapping itself round her leg
"Yeah, I want to get Harry settled into his new home," he remarked. Harry looked up eagerly at that and had another kind smile bestowed on him. Arabella nodded.
"Follow me then," she remarked, turning and walking to the door on the right. She opened it and indicated him to follow her. The room was simply decorated and it felt nice. She pointed at the vase on the mantelpiece. "The floo powder is in there," she said. "It's a good thing I keep a small amount for when I have visiting wizards or witches." A slight wistful look came to her face before it was gone
"Thanks Bella," he remarked. "I'm going to have to put you down for a second Puppy," he remarked absently to Harry. "I need both my hands." He placed Harry down and opened the vase up. Harry stayed by his legs giving Arabella a suspicious look; he could remember the times she had looked after him and the boredom he had experienced. Even though she wasn't nasty to him he was still wary of her. Arabella looked down at him and bent over slightly
"I'm sorry I had to make it boring for you Harry," she said kindly. Harry shrunk back wrapping his arm round Remus leg and burying his face into the soft material. Remus looked down at him with a helplessly. He glanced at Bella who gave him a small smile of support.
"Come on Harry let get you back here," he remarked, bending down and picking Harry up again. Instantly the small arms wrapped round his neck again and Harry buried his face into the crook between Remus's neck and shoulder. "Hold tight," Remus said and Harry nodded the arms tightened, causing Remus to nearly choke. "Not that tight Harry," he said. Harry looked at him nervously as he lessened the hold but Remus smiled at him again causing him to relax. Harry really liked Uncle Moony with his kind smile and eyes. As Remus threw the green powder into the fire and called out "Lupin's cottage," he heard Arabella call something out to him in French then he was gone. He could hear Harry yelling in his ear as they zoomed alone the green swirls blinding them before they were suddenly thrown out. Remus's Werewolf skills at getting a perfect landing had never failed him yet and they didn't this time either. The first thing he did was look down and wince. Harry was sobbing into his robe. Remus bit his lip guiltily. Perhaps he should have given Harry some warning? After all that would have been his first experience of magic and floo powder wasn't exactly pleasant. "Are you ok Harry?" he asked gently. Harry shook his head, his small frame shaking. "I'm sorry about that Puppy. I know it was nasty but we needed to get home." Harry looked up with a tear stained face. His eyes were puffy and he had snot coming from his nose making Remus wrinkle his face up. Luckily Harry seemed to find his look funny since he began to giggle, little hiccup giggles, but the first time Remus had heard him laugh. A large smile came to Remus's face. "Ok now?" he asked
"Yep," Harry replied shakily. Remus looked around, walked to the kitchen, and placed Harry on the side, grabbing a piece of kitchen roll and wiping Harry's nose. Harry tried to get away but Remus held him there
"You don't want a snotty nose, do you?" Harry looked thoughtful then shrugged. "Trust me you don't." Remus picked him up again and spoke. "This is the kitchen Harry," he remarked. Harry glanced around the kitchen. It was small but it was bright and cheerful. Before he could examine more, Remus walked out opening the door to another room. "This is the living room." He walked out again and opened another door "This is my study, you can't come in here quite yet, ok Harry? It's got a lot of important stuff in it." Harry nodded, looking around at all the books and the little models, they looked interesting. "This is my bedroom," he said pointing into a medium sized room. "And this is yours." He opened a door and Harry looked in, his eyes growing wide. There was a small bed opposite the window and it had a basic wardrobe and desk. It was painted blue and the ceiling had a night sky affect, little stars glittered from it and a crescent moon sat president in the corner. On the wall were posters, some of Qudditch teams other of potions, and on the little bed side table was a picture of a red haired woman holding a baby while a man had his hand on her shoulder and was grinning and waving. Harry took it all in and then looked at Remus who was smiling gently at him.
"Welcome home Harry"
A/N – There you go. Hope you liked the chapter, please review but no flames please!
NEXT CHAPTER – Harry settles in slowly but surely and the pair of them receive a visit from a certain Headmaster!