Prologue

It was dark and it was raining heavily. Lightning flashed every few seconds as the trees of the forest waved in agitation. It was a proper time for mourning, especially for the werewolf, Remus Lupin.

Seven years ago to the day, his best friends Lily and James Potter had suffered horrible deaths at the hands of Voldemort, the darkest wizard in over a century. One week ago their son had suffered a similar fate.

Oh, he was not dead. Far from it. But…he may as well have been, because he was now a werewolf.

And Remus had only himself to blame.

Harry had been living with him and Sirius for over two years. In that time, Sirius, having been released from Azkaban, had watched over Harry during the full moon.

Unfortunately, last week he had been called to an emergency meeting at Hogwards, and Remus had locked Harry in the house while he went outside to transform. Stupidly enough, he assumed that Harry would be safe, that he would remain in bed.

Only that hadn't happened. And now Harry was a werewolf.

And Remus blamed himself.

Oddly enough Sirius had not, although he had been more than a little upset at hearing the news. But once he had calmed, he immediately began preparing for Harry's return from Hogwards.

Now, it was a week later and Remus was staring out the window, waiting for Sirius to come back with Harry. It should be any moment now.

Suddenly, a whoosh, a thud, and a few coughs announced the arrival of one of the two.

Most likely Harry.

"Dad!"

Definitely Harry.

Closing his eyes, Remus bared himself for the worst. Slowly he turned, and found himself face to face with a grinning Harry. A normal grinning Harry.

"Dad!" Harry shouted, grin broadening as he leaped into his uncle's arms, which opened seconds before impact.

"Ah, I've missed you too, Harry. How are you feeling?" Remus murmured, burying his face into the soft mop of dark hair as he hugged the boy closer to himself.

A tight squeeze in return, a body pulling back, emerald eyes looking at him in concern. "I'm fine, Dad. And…" Harry bit his lip uncertainly, the motion sending shards of fear into his heart,

"And I don't blame you. Papa said that you would feel guilty and I don't want you to. It wasn't your fault, it was mine, and…and…even though I don't want to be a werewolf…I-I don't really mind so much."

Remus' eyes filled with tears as he looked at the little boy before him. He'd changed Harry's life; it would never again have even the pretense of normality.

Then, he blinked. Something Harry had said registering. "What?"

"I don't really mind. I mean, now at least I'll be able to be with you during the full moon, right? So, you won't be alone anymore."

Well, he hadn't really expected that. But then again, it shouldn't really surprise him. This was Harry, after all.

"Is that how you really fell, cub?"

Harry nodded fervently, the action causing his glasses to slide down to the tip of his small nose.

"Yep, so now you can't be upset anymore," Harry said earnestly, giving his father another tight squeeze.

Remus shook his head, marveling at the forgiving nature of children. However, even though Harry had forgiven him, it would be a long time before he forgave himself.

He really should have told Harry about his condition years ago. Then this never would have happened.

End of Prologue!