As soon as everyone was done with their dinner Remus returned to Grimmauld Place to collect his belongings. Working quickly he packed his few possessions in the battered trunk he carried. He was taking a final look around his room when he heard a greeting coming from the door.
"Wotcher Remus." Tonks said with a grin.
"Hello Nymphadora." he replied earning a scowl and balled up fist shaking at him.
Tonks auror training allowed her to assess the situation in the room with only a glance. "Where are you going? Dumbledore sending you on a mission?" she asked.
A look of anger briefly passed across Remus face at the mention of the Headmaster and he wondered if he should say anything but figured it wouldn't be long before everyone including Dumbledore found out anyway. "No, I've decided to quit the Order. I'm also staying with Harry at the Dursley's for the rest of the summer, I actually just finished packing."
The young auror was surprised. She couldn't believe Remus would quit the Order just like that and couldn't imagine the Dursley's inviting a wizard to stay in their home let alone one who was a magical creature. "The Dursley's really asked you to stay?"
Remus just shrugged his shoulders and fed her the excuse they had come up with during dinner. "It seems they'll do just about anything for 200 pounds a week."
"Why are you quitting the Order?"
"Are you asking for you or for Dumbledore?"
Tonks raised an eyebrow at the question. "Does it matter?"
"I see. Well, I need to be going Tonks, I'm sure we'll see each other around." Remus said picking up his suitcase and walking towards the door.
"Wait, for me, I promise I won't say anything to Dumbledore."
Remus sighed. "I don't think the Order, particularly its leadership, has Harry's best interests in mind. I've recently been named Harry's magical guardian so I'm going to do what Dumbledore has failed to do all these years and make sure Harry has some semblance of a happy life."
A grin formed on Remus face as he saw the shocked look that Tonks was now wearing. As he left the room he sighed and turned back towards his friend. "Look, I don't want to put you in the middle of this, if you feel you have to tell Dumbledore everything its ok. I know he's going to find out anyway I just thought it would be best if I told him myself." Remus stopped to think for a minute before continuing. "In fact why don't you go ahead and tell him but could I ask a favor of you before you do?"
"Sure Remus what is it?"
"Truth be told I'm a little worried about what his response is going to be. Could you tell a bunch of other people first?"
It seemed like an odd request but she couldn't really see any reason not too. "I suppose I could tell anyone who wanders by before Dumbledore does."
Remus nodded. "Thanks Tonks."
With a final smile Remus went downstairs to the entryway where he popped back to the Dursley's home to get settled in.
"Hey Remus, everything go ok?" Harry said greeting his new guardian with a smile.
"No problems. I did run in to Tonks as I was getting ready to leave and she wanted to know what was going on. I told her about quitting the Order and moving in here. I also mentioned being your guardian, I think she was surprised." he said smiling mischievously.
"Is she going to tell Dumbledore?" Harry asked a little bit worried about what could happen.
"Yes she is. I told her she could. It doesn't really matter though. You know he's going to find out soon anyway."
Harry nodded in understanding.
"It occurred to me while I was talking to her that after what Dumbledore did to Sirius he might try something with me so I asked her to tell some other people before telling him. I think if everyone knows I'm your guardian now and living here he'll be less likely to try anything."
"Maybe I should write all my friends and let them know too."
Remus smiled. "I think that would be a great idea Harry."
Ron,
Hey, I hope everyone's doing ok. Guess what? Remus is my guardian now and the Dursley's are letting him stay here this summer! I couldn't believe it when they agreed. He's promised to tell me a lot of stories about the Marauders and my parents when they were in school and after.
Well, I just wanted to let you know what's going on this summer. Please let your family know I'm alright and that Remus is here taking care of me so they don't need to worry about the Dursley's this summer.
Harry
Dear Hermione,
How's your summer going so far? You've probably spent most of your time reading and being upset that there's no homework since it was our owl year (ha, just teasing).
I just wanted to let you know that this summer won't be a bad one after all. Remus is staying here with me. I can't believe it myself but the Dursley's are letting him stay. He's also my magical guardian now! I can't wait to hear the stories he's promised to tell me about my parents and Sirius.
Well, I just wanted to say hi. I hope you and your parents are doing well.
Harry
Dear Ginevra,
I'm imagining the look on your face right now after seeing me use your given name and can't help but laugh at the picture in my minds eye. Just kidding, actually I really like your name Gin. I hope you're well and everything is well at the Burrow. I miss you all.
I just wanted to write to share some good news with you. Remus is my magical guardian now! He's also staying here at the Dursley's with me this summer so it should be a pretty good one for a change. I know! I couldn't believe my relatives let him stay either.
I also wanted to thank you for everything you did for me last year. It really meant a lot to me that you were there for me when I needed you. Thanks. I was hoping we could write this summer and get to know each other better. What's your favorite color?
Write back soon,
Harold
P.S. Actually it's just Harry but I thought that would be funny, grin!
Harry smiled imagining Ginny's reaction to his letter as he finally finished it. Attaching the letters to Hedwig's leg he carried her to the window and after wishing her a good flight watched her disappear in to the night.
Stripping down to his boxers Harry settled down for bed. There was a smile playing on his lips as he closed his eyes knowing he would have pleasant dreams. It had been another great day.
It was early afternoon the next day and Harry found himself sitting on a bench in the park chatting with Remus when he looked up to see an old bearded man walking towards them wearing an expensive three piece suit. The only problem was that the suit was about fifty years out of date.
Looking up as the man arrived at their bench Harry was the first to speak. "Professor."
"Hello Harry, it's good to see you out and about." Dumbledore responded cheerfully. He noted worriedly that he was unable to get a glimpse into Harry's memories and thoughts when he looked into the young mans eyes but decided now was not the time to address that particular issue.
"Hello Albus."
"Remus it's good to see you as well and actually why I have come to visit today."
"What can I do for you?" Remus replied.
Before answering Remus question Dumbledore turned back towards Harry. "Actually this concerns some Order business, would you mind giving us a few minutes Harry?"
With a frown Harry started to get up but a hand from Remus stopped him. "That's not necessary Albus. I'm quitting the Order so since we won't be talking about any Order business Harry can stay."
Harry smiled at his guardian while Dumbledore continued to maintain his mask of indifference though you could see the disappointment in his eyes.
"Why would you do such a thing Remus? Don't you want to help in our struggle against Voldemort? Don't you think fighting for the light is the right thing to do?"
Remus took a deep breath as he looked the Headmaster in the eye. Not for the first time since he had been dealing with him he thanked the gods that his inner wolf protected his mind from intrusion. "No, I do not want to help in the fight against Voldemort regardless of whether or not you think it is the right thing to do. I have recently become Harry's guardian and plan on devoting my life to making sure he has something resembling a happy life for once. As far as I'm concerned that is the right thing to do."
"I heard you were now his guardian. I'm curious how that came to be. The last I knew as Headmaster of his school I was appointed his magical guardian."
Remus grinned and placed an arm around Harry's shoulders. "I recently went to Gringotts where I was notified of Sirius Will. Among other things he left me his guardianship over Harry. There was a bit of a commotion as the goblins realized that Sirius had never actually been granted custody but we quickly discovered that for some reason the Potter's Will had never been executed. It was an easy thing to execute their Will granting Harry's guardianship to Sirius who's Will then transferred it to me."
"I see." Dumbledore responded with a small smile on his face though it was easy to tell he was not happy about the situation.
"I've come to an agreement with the Dursley's." Remus continued, "I'm renting the guest room from them for the summer so I can spend as much time as possible with Harry. We had talked about moving to Grimmauld Place together since we now own it but realized he needed to remain here to recharge the blood wards. You can remove the guards though since I'll be there all the time."
"Isn't this great professor! I already wrote all my friends, this is going to be the best summer ever!" Harry exclaimed excitedly getting a snort from Remus.
"It is indeed Harry." Dumbledore replied with a forced smile. Internally he was upset and concerned at the turn in events but was pacified by the thought that they were still remaining in position on his chess board of life. Turning to Remus he addressed the issue of Harry's guard. "I think it would be unwise to remove the Order presence from Privet Drive and I would like you to reconsider leaving the Order. I would be happy to give you the summer off to spend with Harry and you could return to duty when school resumes in September."
"No thank you Albus, the only thing I want to do right now is take care of Harry."
"Very well, perhaps I'll speak to you about it again at the end of the summer."
Remus just shrugged his shoulders. After exchanging goodbyes Albus wandered towards a small clump of trees that were nearby and Harry and Remus heard the familiar pop of the headmaster disapperating.
The instant he was gone Harry and Remus both started laughing.
"Damn Harry, it was all I could do to keep from laughing when you told him you'd written all your friends already." Remus chuckled.
"Oh, and you didn't have me cringing when you started going on about the blood wards?"
Remus ruffled Harry's hair as he stood up. "Come on Harry that just reminded me, we still need to teach you to apperate."
Harry jumped up excitedly. "Brilliant!"
They talked about apparition during the walk back to number four and Remus was almost laughing as he watched Harry become more and more excited during the conversation.
"Alright Harry, are you ready to try?" he said as they entered Harry's bedroom.
Harry nodded fervently.
"Ok, close your eyes and picture yourself standing on the other side of your room in front of your window. Do you remember the sensation of taking a portkey?"
Harry nodded hoping this wouldn't be the same.
"Good. Forget about the tug behind the naval and the feeling of being pulled through space. Concentrate on what it felt like to disappear and reappear. Can you remember that?"
Once again Harry nodded.
"Excellent. Concentrate on that feeling of disappearing and reappearing while thinking about where you want to go which is standing in front of your window. Concentrate on the sensation of disappearing and reappearing."
Harry stood still for several minutes before a soft pop sounded and Harry was on the other side of the room.
Remus smiled as he noticed Harry was still concentrating. "Harry, open your eyes."
He was shocked when he did and found himself in front of his window. Spinning around he sent a large smile to Remus. "I did it!"
"Yes you did, and you didn't make much noise, very nicely done Harry. Why don't you try to come back now?"
With a nod Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on returning. A few seconds later there was another small pop and Harry was standing next to Remus who patted him on the back. "Excellent Harry." Remus said proudly. "This time I want you to do it with your eyes open and I want you to go to my bedroom and back."
"Ok." Harry said and a second later he disappeared. It wasn't long before he appeared next to Remus side again.
"Excellent Harry, did you have any problems?"
"No, I actually thought it would be a lot harder than this."
Remus smiled. "No, it would be if you had trouble focusing on what you wanted to do. The main reason they make you wait until you're older to learn is that as you learn more advanced magics you gain the focus you need to do this properly."
As he looked at Harry, Remus could see the excitement he carried at learning this skill. He remembered how much he had enjoyed learning it as well. "Tell you what, why don't we pop over to the Leaky Cauldron for a Butter Beer?"
"Are you sure I can make it that far?"
"Absolutely, you shouldn't have any problems apperating to places you've been around Europe. After you've been doing this for awhile I'll teach you to apperate to coordinates and places you haven't been."
"Cool." Harry said with a grin.
"Alright then, I'll meet you in the back alley by the entrance to Diagon Alley." Remus said before disappearing with a small pop.
With his large grin still firmly in place Harry followed not far behind.
After enjoying a drink at the Leaky Cauldron Harry and Remus returned to have dinner with the Dursley's and not long after found themselves back in Harry's room.
"Here you go Harry." Remus said handing him the vial of potion he had obtained in Knockturn Alley.
Harry took the potion and looked at it with a little bit of anxiety. "Does it hurt much?"
Sirius, who was floating next to Remus, smiled at his godson. "Yes the transformation is painful. Your entire body's structure is being changed. Don't worry too much though, it's nothing you can't handle and it will get better once you learn how to do it. While you're changing I want you to concentrate on what it feels like. Think about how your bones and skin feel as they change shape. I know it doesn't sound fun but it will help later on while you're learning to do it without the potion."
After watching Remus conjure a large mirror for Harry to see himself in he stared at the potion for several seconds before taking a deep breath and downing the entire contents of the vial in one gulp. A grimace appeared on his face and a shiver ran through his body at the awful taste of the concoction.
He felt the sensation of ice water flowing through his veins as it spread throughout his body. The instant the feeling had covered every inch of him the pain started. Harry could feel his bones stretching and breaking as his skeleton reshaped itself. He felt his organs moving around and changing shape. His skin contracted in places and stretched in others. He felt his hair receded in to his scalp and short soft hairs grow all over his body. His fingernails changed to claws and sharp teeth grew rapidly in his mouth.
Remus and Sirius watched in excitement as the transformation took place.
"What kind of cat is that?" Sirius asked his long time friend.
"I think… yes, he's a Jaguar." a very impressed Remus replied. As he examined Harry's form he could just make out a lightning bolt shaped patch of fur on his forehead though it was well hidden among the natural spots on his coat.
The pain Harry felt while changing forms was considerable but passed fairly quickly and Harry found himself on all fours feeling more physically powerful than he had ever felt before. Walking up to the mirror he found a large cat staring back at him. He heard Remus tell Sirius he was a Jaguar and grinned internally as he realized he could accompany Remus during the full moon once he learned how to transform on his own.
As he examined his face he noticed he had kept his green eyes and there was a lightning bolt shaped patch of fur on his forehead. Stretching his limbs he moved around the room slowly and awkwardly for several minutes until he learned to let his cat instincts control his movements. Once he had mastered walking and moving he turned and pounced on an unsuspecting Remus, tackling him to the ground much to Sirius amusement.
Harry laughed though it came out as more of a growl as Remus pushed him off only to have him pounce on him again and give him a big slobbery lick on the face.
"Harry!" Remus yelled as he wiped himself off.
Sirius was doubled over in laughter as he watched his godson's antics.
After jumping back off Remus, Harry returned to the other side of the room where he began to return to his human form. After another slow and painful transformation Harry lay on the floor panting.
"That was brilliant!" Harry finally managed to exclaim between breaths.
"Nice form Harry!" Sirius said looking at him proudly.
"Yes," Remus said still wiping his face, "very nice. Your father would be proud Harry."
Harry grinned and blushed a little at the Marauders praise.
Sirius suddenly got an evil grin on his face as he turned to Remus. "Mr. Padfoot would like to tell Mr. Moony that his godson now requires a name so that he may become an official Marauder."
Remus almost laughed out loud at the look on Sirius face and wondered what was coming. "Mr. Moony agrees with Mr. Padfoot and wonders if he has a name in mind?
Harry was now looking at the pair with a smile and a bit of apprehension.
"Mr. Padfoot would like to let Mr. Moony know that he does have a name in mind."
"Mr. Moony requests that Mr. Padfoot stop being a git and tell Mr. Moony the name."
Sirius winked at Remus before continuing. "Mr. Padfoot believes Mr. Moony should pull his panties out of his crack as they seem to be making him cranky. Mr. Padfoot also believes the newest Marauders name should be Mr. Kitty."
Harry's eyes went wide and his mouth fell open in horror at the name Sirius had chosen but his eyes narrowed as he realized he'd been tricked and Sirius and Remus were both laughing at the look on his face.
"Mr. Moony would like to request once again that Mr. Padfoot quit being a git and tell us the real name before his godson reaps horrors on us the like of which we could never imagine."
Sirius finally stopped laughing and looked at Harry who he could tell was waiting expectantly for his name. "Mr. Stealth."
The summer passed quickly and between Remus and Sirius staying with him and the reformed Dursley's, Harry could honestly say it was by far the best of his life.
He spent a lot of his time working on the animagus transformation with Remus and Sirius. He was coming along nicely according to the Marauders but he knew it would be a long time before he was able to complete the change. He also spent a lot of time writing to Ginny whom he was getting to know very well and found he was beginning to think of her as more that a friend.
It was almost his birthday when he woke one morning to an owl tapping on his window. Upon opening it a large tawny owl flew in depositing several envelopes on his desk before leaving.
Picking up the first one he found it was from the Ministry of Magic.
Mr. Harry Potter
Below please find the results of your Ordinary Wizarding Level tests. Core courses are worth 2 Owls, 1 for a grade of Acceptable or Exceeds, 2 for a grade of Outstanding. Supplemental courses are worth 1 Owl for a grade of Acceptable or better.
Core Courses
Transfiguration – O
Charms - O
Defense Against the Dark Arts – O+
Potions – E
Supplemental Courses
Astronomy - A
History of Magic - P
Care of Magical Creatures - O
Divination – E
You have earned 11 owls out of a possible 12 (your total includes an extra point for the + in DADA).
Congratulations,
Griselda Marchbanks
Wizarding Examination Authority, Ministry of Magic
"Wow!" Harry said out loud having received much better marks than he had expected.
After several minutes he was finally able to get over the shock of his scores and address the other two letters on his desk. One was his school letter asking him to select the courses he planned on taking his sixth year and the other was from his head of house informing him that his quidditch ban had been lifted and he had been selected as the team captain for Gryffindor. It also contained a shrunken FireBolt.
"Good Morning Harry." Remus said from the doorway as Harry was finishing reading his letters.
"Morning Remus, look, my owls came." Harry replied holding his letter out for his guardian.
As Remus read the letter a large smile appeared on his face before he pulled Harry in to a large hug. "This is incredible Harry! Nicely done!"
"I also got my Hogwarts letter and was made quidditch captain." Harry told him making his grin even larger.
"Absolutely brilliant!" Remus replied. "Are you sure you don't want to return to Hogwarts?"
"I'm sure. It's enough to know I got it." Harry replied with a smile.
Remus was nodding. "Alright, so long as you're sure. I wouldn't answer them yet though."
"I know. I wasn't planning on it."
"Why don't you write Ron and Hermione to let them know how you did? And maybe Ginny?" he said grinning.
Harry blushed as Remus turned and left the room chuckling after teasing him about writing to Ginny. Harry had been thinking of the youngest Weasley a lot lately and realized he had a bit of a crush on her. Shaking himself from his thoughts he sat at his desk to write some letters.
Harry's birthday arrived along with a flurry of owls. His friends all sent presents and letters wishing him the best. Ron gave him the usual orange quidditch memorabilia from his favorite team while Hermione gave him some books on defense. Mrs. Weasley sent him a cake as did Hagrid.
He had been particularly looking forward to opening Ginny's gift and wasn't disappointed when he opened the package to find a necklace. It was a small crystal hanging from a leather cord and as he touched it he noticed it changed color and he felt a feeling of familiarity and comfort flow through him. Curious as to what it meant he opened the letter.
Dear Harold, (grin)
Happy Birthday Harry! I hope you like my gift, I didn't know what to get you and didn't have much money so I bought the crystal and had mum help me with the enchantments. It's a mood crystal, though also a little bit more. The colors will change depending on your mood when you hold it in your hand…
Black – negativity, nervousness
Red – passion, anger
Yellow – mental processes, ego
Green – healing, average
Blue – relaxed, happiness
White – frustration, confusion, boredom
There are some other colors too but those are the main ones. You may also see the colors mixing and swirling around one another when more than one applies. I also added a bit of myself to the crystal so if your ever feeling upset you can hold it and it will hopefully help calm you.
I hope you like it Harry. Thanks for writing to me this summer, I've been writing to a few people but always look forward to your letters the most. Have a Happy Birthday and tell Remus Hi for me!
With Love,
Ginevra
Grinning as he finished her letter he immediately placed the necklace around his neck feeling the calmness she spoke of as he handled the crystal, he also noticed the color was a mixture of red and blue.
Tucking the necklace inside his shirt he returned his attention to the letters he had received picking up the final envelope on which his name was written in the familiar loopy script of Albus Dumbledore.
Harry,
I hope you have had a good summer with Remus and are having an enjoyable birthday. This note is to inform you that you may now leave Privet Drive.
I will be sending an Order escort to bring you and Remus to Grimmauld Place. They will arrive tomorrow morning at 10:00. Please be ready.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"Remus!" Harry said as he knocked on his guardian's bedroom door.
The talking on the other side of the door ceased followed by the sound of footsteps and the door opening to reveal the grinning Marauder. Harry noticed the room was empty and assumed Sirius was the other voice he had heard.
"Happy Birthday Harry!" he said.
"Thanks Remus. Here, you should see this." Harry replied handing the letter from Dumbledore to the werewolf.
Remus read the letter quickly, sighed and pulled Harry in to the room before closing the door. "Sirius, read this." he said to the empty space.
"Looks like it's time to leave then." Sirius disembodied voice muttered after a few seconds.
"Why don't you write your letters Harry but wait to send them out until we leave probably sometime this afternoon." Remus saw Harry nodding in understanding. He was about to leave when Remus stopped him. "Wait a sec, Sirius and I want to give you our present."
Pulling a small wrapped box out of his top dresser drawer he handed it to Harry who noticed Sirius had appeared and was floating next to Remus with a smile on his face.
Harry nervously unwrapped the gift hoping he wasn't about to become the recipient of the latest Marauder prank as he did so. Opening the box he removed what looked like a miniature trunk.
Remus waved his wand over Harry and the trunk muttering a quick spell. "I just needed to key you in to the trunks features Harry. Tap it with your wand." Remus said.
Pulling his wand he tapped the lid of the trunk and it immediately grew to its full size.
"It has three compartments." Sirius began explaining. "Each one is magically expanded to be twice the trunks size. Just touch one of the small circles by the latch to open whichever compartment you want to get in, only persons who are keyed in can open it which right now is you and Remus."
Harry had a huge smile on his face as he opened the first compartment. He was surprised to find two books and some photo albums inside. Picking them up Harry was overwhelmed with joy as he read the titles, 'The Marauders Guide to Marauding' and 'The Marauders Guide to the Animagus Transformation' both by Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs.
Setting down the books he jumped at Remus pulling him into a huge emotion filled hug. "Thanks Moony." he said. Loosening the embrace he turned towards Sirius giving him a heartfelt smile. "Thanks Padfoot."
"You're welcome Harry. The photos are mostly of us and your parents. Just some that we collected over the years while at Hogwarts and after. And the books, well," Sirius said with a mischievous grin, "let's just say they contain the combined experiences of the marauders while we were in school and I expect you to make your godfathers proud."
Harry grinned at his smile and tone and almost laughed out loud as he saw Remus rolling his eyes and shaking his head though he also wore a large grin.
Leaving his 'godfathers' as he now thought of them both Harry took his new trunk back to his room to write some letters and pack his belongings for the trip he would be taking later. Remus left shortly after to make travel arrangements for them.
The Dursleys weren't happy he was leaving but understood the situation and wished him the best. They had surprised him to no end when he opened a large birthday present to find they had gotten him a laptop computer with all the extras.
After many goodbyes and orders to take care of each other Remus cast a few glamour charms on Harry to mask his appearance. They then sent Hedwig to deliver the letters Harry had written and apperated to the back alley of the Leaky Cauldron where Bella and Sirius were waiting for them.
"Hi Harry." Bella said happily, grinning at the handsome young man before her.
"Hi Bella, it's good to see you again." he replied giving her a quick hug.
After exchanging greetings the group made their way to muggle London and hailed a cab beginning their adventure.
-
AN: Thank you all for the reviews! Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out, but getting a job is a higher priority for me right now, oh well.
This chapter was difficult for me to write as it's more of a transitional chapter than anything else. Still I think it answered a lot of your questions. Voldemort will be out of the loop for awhile now but will be coming back later. Everyone's reactions will be in the next chapter. Several people are wondering where Harry is going to go to school, you'll find out in two chapters.
There were several comments concerning Harry notifying the Weasley's and everyone else of his deal with Voldy. My thinking falls along the same lines as apathetica's (see reviews). I don't see them leaving the fight regardless. The deal Harry made concerning his friends was an extra thing he thought of at the spur of the moment and I have no plans to tell anyone about it. One I don't think it would make a difference in their stances and two Dumbledore would find out. That would obviously be bad.
Animagus: Thanks for all your great ideas. I know a Jaguar is probably a bit boring but in the end I decided based on two things. One, I'm not making Harry overly powerful or special as far as his wizarding skills are concerned so nixed a magical creature. And two, I wanted him to be of a fairly good size so he could spend the full moon with Remus like his father did.
Pairing Update: Author smirks… Ha…
vash2004 – Some great ideas. I actually am using variations of some of what you wrote…
lmill123 – I don't have a set age for Dumble's grandson but yes, I figure him to be around the same age as Remus, maybe just a bit younger. The wands are an excellent point, I actually meant to address that in the first chapter but guess I didn't. I think Harry getting Voldy's brother wand was a result of the connection between them.
I can't thank you all enough for all the great reviews I'm receiving! Thanks.