23rd of December, 1978
Quiet A Few Books, Charing Cross Road, London

"Oh, Merlin! Are you okay?"

Eyes watering and feet throbbing with the weight of the books being suddenly and painfully dropped, Harry nodded quickly. His head felt oddly disjointed from his body as it bobbed up and down. He kept his eyes on his feet for fear the man would recognise him. Which, yes, he realised how stupid this was. 1978 Remus Lupin didn't know him. He hadn't met Rigel Sayre. He hadn't even met Harry Potter.

"Yep. Thanks. I'm good."

Remus didn't sound convinced as he asked, "Are you sure you're-?"

"Yeah, all good. Great, even." Harry winced. Merlin, he was sure he could lie better than this.

"I think that's probably debatable."

Harry huffed a surprised laugh, and it hurt his chest. He craned his neck to look at the man who was peering at him with great amounts of concern. In for a sickle, in for galleon. "I think that's probably just your perspective."

"Well, from my perspective, you're bent-double clutching your feet." Harry flushed and snatched his hands up to his chest quickly, making Remus laugh lightly and hold out his hands placatingly. "No, no. If it helps your pain then, by all means." He bent his knee and began to pile the scattered books on his thigh.

Harry frowned. "You don't have to do that, I'll get them in a minute."

"It's my pleasure," Remus smiled up at him and Harry was taken aback for a moment at the lack of facial scarring. "It was my fault."

"It definitely wasn't."

"Well, I scared you."

"No, you didn't."

"You looked rather scared when you saw me."

"That's just what I look like." Harry heard himself say, as he pushed his glasses up his nose nervously and Remus' eyes tracked the movement. Harry stuffed his hands deep in his pockets, playing with a loose thread there. "Permanently terrified."

He crouched down beside the man and quickly took the books from Remus' pile one by one until Remus snorted and stole some back. When Harry went to argue, Remus stood up, "I've learnt my lesson with letting you carry more than you should." He carried them easily over to the till and placed them down. Harry stared up at him from the ground, knee bent and gaping.

"Learnt your lesson? I'm hardly a spindly schoolboy."

"Oh, no? Then what are you, a tiny teenager? Ant-sized adult?"

Standing, Harry looked at him with raised eyebrows before giving him a once-over. Remus laughed, rolling his eyes. "Insulting me with alliteration? I'll have you know, we are the same height and," he paused, thought about it, and then grinned, "if anything I'm a massive male."

Taken by surprise, Remus snorted, eyes wide. "Ah, I see. My mistake."

"Of course, I'm pleased you understand." Harry blinked and came back to himself.

He couldn't befriend Remus Lupin! This could seriously upset the timeline.

Harry quickly approached the till, almost tripping at the speed he moved, and spun to face Remus who was staring at him, amused. Harry pulled his hands out of his pockets and clapped his hands together, twining his fingers. "Welcome to Radcliffe's Books, how can I help you today?"

The amusement on Remus' face intensified. "I'm here for a book."

Harry felt himself grin against his will and gestured to the shop grandly. Behind him, the ladder fell to the ground and dust escaped up from beneath the gaps in the floorboards. Harry pretended not to notice, and Remus looked enormously pleased with the entire establishment. "Well, I'm afraid you came to the correct place."

"Afraid?" Remus smiled, hands in pockets, a brown leather satchel swinging gently at his side with every small move.

He found himself answering and nodded solemnly. "Yes, because now there is no way you can leave without taking home a fantasy novel, of which will change your life forever."

"And if I don't want a fantasy novel?

"Partial to a bit of Marcella Hazan, instead? A slice of her, if you will?"

"Oh, of course." Remus' eyes glinted in a way Harry had only seen in the reminiscent moments with Sirius before his death, and that night at Shell Cottage when he had asked Harry to be the godfather of Teddy. "Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking is one of my favourites."

"An excellent one. I prefer More Classic Italian Cooking, but each to their own." He placed his palms on the counter and leant over the counter eagerly, "What can I help you with?"

"A travel book, please. More specifically, Belgium."

Harry's mind flashed to the newspaper stand that had caught his attention on his earlier walk through Diagon to get to Knockturn Alley. Werewolves in Belgium, it had read.

Interesting. "An interesting choice; Belgium."

"Is it?" Remus' voice was suddenly forced, as was his smile.

"Indeed." Harry's eyes narrowed before he smoothed a smile onto his face. "Their waffles are to die for, but their wine is shite." Remus was startled into a laugh. "You'd be better off with Italy. Or perhaps if you want to stretch it, France."

"I detect a distaste for France?"

Harry narrowed his eyes playfully and he crossed his arms. "You're very intuitive."

"Well, I am from the FBI."

"That explains it." His eyes darted guiltily toward the back room. "Excuse me, I need to go and hide my cocai... canes. My canes."

Remus raised an eyebrow, lips twitching. "Your canes?"

"Yes... my canes. I collect them. How did you know I don't like France?"

"It was the disgust in your voice, but now I'm more interested in your canes. What kinds do you have?"

"All kinds."

"Birch?"

"Yep."

"I'd love to see one."

"I'm sorry, but no."

"Oh? How come?"

"You say you're from the FIB-"

"FBI."

"-but how do I know that you're not from a rival cane... selling... store?"

Looking endlessly pleased with the conversation, Remus raised his brows in mock surprise. "Is the cane business a profitable one?"

"Not in the least."

"Then why would you be concerned about my possible undue tactics?"

"Who knows?" Harry glared at the windows and fought off a grin when he saw Remus' eyes crinkle. "Can't trust anyone these days."

"In the cane business, or in general?"

"Both," Harry said it, more serious than he'd intended and they shared a look. Before Remus could gauge anything from it, Harry stepped out from behind the till and made his way towards the ceiling-high shelves. "This way, if you please."

They passed the overhead sign that read 'Travel the World' and moved into 'Fantasy Realms'. Remus was fighting a smile. "Travel books are that way, I believe."

"Good thing we're not looking for travel books."

"Are you hard of hearing?"

Harry cupped his ear and leaned closer as his eyes scanned the shelves. "What was that?"

"Very funny."

He grinned, spying a familiar book, and reached out, grabbing two off the shelf. He hid them behind his back and faced Remus. "Pick a hand, any hand."

"Are you serious?"

His grin didn't fade, in fact, it only widened. "Always."

Remus smiled grudgingly. "Fine. But after this, I need a travel book about Belgium, or-"

"Or what?"

"Or I'll... go to another bookstore." His eyes glinted. "And find another shop that sells birch wood canes."

"That's blackmail."

"Yes, very good."

Harry hummed before shaking his arms behind his back. "Go on then, pick a hand. Before your time runs out."

Remus put on an exaggerated thinking face. "And what happens if my time runs out?"

"Keep stalling and I'll show you."

"Maybe I want to see what will happen."

"You don't, trust me."

"Okay, then." He considered, then gestured. "Left hand, please."

"Wrong choice," Harry announced happily and put the book on the left back on the shelf. Remus huffed, almost with disbelief, as Harry pushed a book that he had seen years ago in a certain Defense Professor's bookshelf, into his hands.

Remus looked at the book in his hand. "Time and Again."

"By Jack Finney." Harry said happily.

"Yes, but my question is why."

"Why Jack Finney?"

"No, why is this book in my hand?"

"It's a good book."

"Okay... and?"

"It is my professional opinion that you need to read it."

"Your professional opinion as a cane-maker?"

"Correct."

"Right." Remus flipped the cover onto its back and Harry walked back towards the till, Remus absently following him. "It's a time travel novel."

"A very excellent time travel novel." Harry reached out and grabbed a book from the travel section shelves as they walked back over. Remus didn't notice. "It's illustrated."

"I see that." Remus put the book on the counter and reached into his back pocket. Harry put the travel book on top of the Jack Finney novel and Remus grinned and nodded to it. "Belgium."

Harry nodded in agreement and tapped away at the till. "Belgium." He turned to Remus. "Three pounds, if you please." Remus looked surprised.

"Only three?" He gestured at the two books, "For two?"

"Indeed."

"... right." He still didn't look convinced as he opened his wallet and handed a wrinkled five-pound note over to Harry. Harry threw it in the till, quickly pulling out two £2 coins, dropping them into his hand. He ripped off the receipt from the machine and put it on top of the two books, nudging them over to Remus.

Remus picked the receipt up and scanned down it without touching the books. He raised his brows, looking back to Harry. "You've charged me for three pamphlets about Russia."

"Yep." Harry agreed, leaning down behind the till, and picking up one of the stacks of books from earlier. He put them down on the counter. When he looked up again Remus was frowning.

"Why?"

"Time and Again is on the house, it's on my recommendation so I can't force you to buy it. Or," he considered, "I suppose I could. But that would take effort I don't possess. And secondly, that is a travel book on Belgium."

Remus was quiet for a few moments, as though expecting Harry to continue, and when he didn't, he said, "Yes. It is."

He took it off the top of the fantasy novel and held up the back, so Harry could see where the stamp read '£5'. "It is also five pounds."

"It is also on Belgium."

"I don't understand."

"I don't expect you to."

"Is this the same thing as France?"

Harry plastered on a confused look. "France?"

Remus sighed. "I'm not going to get anywhere, am I?"

"Not anywhere nice if you follow that travel guide."

Again, Remus sighed. He picked up the two books and slid them into the satchel. He looked up at Harry sincerely. "Thank you."

Harry waved him off and watched as he walked to the door, "I wish you good fun in Belgium. Careful though, it is rife with the French."

"Odd," Remus said, smiling as he looked back over his shoulder, "I would've thought that's France."

Then, with a ring of the bell and a short nod, he was gone.

"Know him, do you, kid?"

Rigel jumped and spun on his heel to see Mr Radcliffe who was staring knowingly at him. He shook his head and looked back over his shoulder at the door.

"No, actually. Never met him before."

He hadn't meant to. It hadn't been part of the plan.

A time travel novel. Harry silently berated himself as he knelt down and rifled through the many boxes of books in the backroom. A time travel novel, how could he be so stupid.

The Jack Finney book, granted, was an interesting read. It was also exactly the kind of book that he knew future Remus would ravish to bits. Also, it wasn't like his and the main character's experiences with time travel were similar in any way shape or form, particularly seeing as he, Simon, had agreed to go back in time, and had known what he was doing.

Harry'd had it thrust into his lap in the shape of tall, dark, and annoying Theodore Nott.

Actually, even more importantly, Harry had just traded barbs, had a back-and-forth with eighteen-year-old Remus Lupin. Eighteen years old. This wasn't part of the plan, he wasn't supposed to meet anyone from his time, it could mess with his future in such catastrophic ways.

Harry shook his head and delved deeper into the see if novellas. it was done. He knew Hermione would be berating him for it, but what was done was done. He couldn't summon the book back without looking even odder and inciting more conversation with the man.

Besides, he thought, what could one book do?

It turned out, a lot.

Because Remus came back.

It was a week later. Mr Healy had given Harry his first paycheck the day prior, and he, starving, had ran straight to the store to buy some food.

Harry was on shift, as he had been for the past week, chatting to a nice old woman who was after a book on how to keep budgies. Gesturing over to the 'Animals' aisle of the store, Harry was trying to explain to her in the simplest terms where to find it when the bell rang signalling another customer's entrance.

Just as the woman thanked him, Harry heard a familiar voice.

"Hello."

Harry spun on his heel, and not being able to help himself, grinned at the sight of Remus again. Even if his mind was screaming at the man to stay away. Ignoring this, he walked over to the till and Remus stopped just in front of it.

His stomach sank, however, at the sight of a cut on his face, one that was dark red and running down his cheek. Remus noticed his reaction and waved him off.

"Oh, no. Don't worry about that."

What he was really saying was 'don't ask about it', and Harry knew exactly because he used to say the same thing during his third year at Hogwarts, as he tried to hide his werewolf nature from him. So, Harry didn't. Instead, he leant his forearms on the counter and raised his brows as he took a sip from the coffee mug next to him. "It happen in Belgium?" Harry asked, trying to seem nonchalant.

Remus looked agitated but conceded with a slight nod. "As it happens, yes."

"A Frenchman?"

"No." Remus smiled and then considered. "Welsh."

Surprised, Harry's eyes widened. "Really? Did he stop and give you his life story beforehand?"

Remus gave in and nodded with a sigh. "He likes to chat."

"You know the guy?"

"We've met once or twice."

"How unfortunate for him." When Remus cocked his head, confused, Harry sent him a mischievous smirk over his mug, "Bet he looks worse than you."

Remus chuckled self-deprecatingly and ran a hand through his short, ruffled hair. "You'd be surprised."

"No, I'm not sure I would."

"And that means what, exactly?" He gestured to himself and Harry gave him a once-over. It was odd, seeing him in a relaxed long-sleeve and casual slacks, instead of the patchy blazer and smart trousers that had always accompanied him, even in the final battle. "That I look rather tough?"

Harry nodded along, still smirking gently. "For a shorter man, sure you do."

Remus stared at him. "You can't be more than a few millimetres taller than me if that."

He shrugged, curling his hand around the mug. "Those millimetres are crucial."

Sighing, Remus approached shuffled closer to the till. "You remind me of my friend."

Harry grinned, wondering which friend he meant and if he might be thinking of James Potter. "Is he also roguishly handsome?"

"No, but he'd say the exact same thing."

"Probably means he's roguishly handsome."

Remus shot him a look, and Harry nodded, holding up his hands in surrender and standing and stretching out his back. "What can I do for you today? Another riveting book on Belgium?" He eyed the gash on his old/new friend's cheek. "Or, perhaps, fighting techniques?"

Rolling his eyes, Remus unlatched his satchel and dug around until he pulled out Time and Again by Jack Finney. He placed it delicately on the counter in front of Harry, who frowned. The pages were worn and well-thumbed, which revealed he'd read it. Numerous times. "What did you think?"

"I am... reluctant to admit it, but I did enjoy it. It was-"

"A nice holiday read?"

Remus laughed without humour. "It wasn't a holiday."

"No?" Harry raised a curious brow. "Work, then."

"I suppose you could call it that."

Harry gestured to his cheek. "Hope they gave you a few vacation days for that."

"No, really, it's nothing. I've had worse."

Feeling his eyes widen, he fought to rectify his facial reaction, and Remus quickly realised his mistake. "That was the wrong thing to say, and not at all said the way I meant it."

Harry held up his hands again. "No, no. I'm not judging. A job is a job. Hell, I've only got this one to pay the bills."

Remus' eyes widened, and he peered around the shop. The budgie woman had sat on the couch in the corner and fallen asleep. Harry did not look forward to waking her up. "Really? It seems peaceful."

"I suppose, but I'm not one for peace. More of an... action guy, I guess."

"That explains the excellent taste in fantasy books."

"Excellent? Wow, I think I just felt my head get two sizes bigger."

"I saw it. Shouldn't have said anything, I take it back."

Harry put his mug down on the counter and wagged his finger as though telling a child 'No'. "No, no. No take-backs."

Remus rolled his eyes and nudged the book forward. "I was wondering if you'd recommend another," he said, shrugging nonchalantly. Though Harry could see the tense line in his shoulders. Was he… nervous? Scared of Harry?

Harry, with a teasing lilt and new confidence, said, "We aren't a library."

Remus sighed, "Expertly spotted. No, I'll return this one to you, and then I'll pay for the next."

Harry hummed. "Alright, fine. But only if you don't make me put another travel guide through the till."

"You're not very good for business, are you?"

Harry faked a hurt expression and held his hands to his heart as he side-stepped the counter, picking up the novel Remus had brought back as he went and took it with him. The sound of Remus' footsteps followed. "Excuse you. I am the best bookstore clerk you've ever met."

Remus snorted as they turn into the 'Fantasy Worlds' aisle for the second time together. "You're certainly one of them, yes."

Harry slid Time and Again back into its slot and he frowned at Remus. "Hurtful." Then, he clapped his hands and spun on his heel in a full circle. "Okay," he looked to Remus, "any preferences before I work my magic?"

"Hardbacks? Keeps it safer with my job."

He nodded, commiserating, and set to work. "Yeah, got to watch out for Welshmen who may want to rip them. I understand."

Remus scoffed and poked around the shelf opposite to the one Harry was pursuing. "I was more referring to how they'd rip in my bag, rather than that particular issue."

"But you agree it's an issue."

"Not an immediately pressing one, no."

"One to keep an eye out for."

"Perhaps."

They went quiet for a few minutes, both in their own heads as they mulled over books until Harry tugged a book out the tightly put together shelf and shouted, "Aha!"

The woman on the couch woke with a start and whipped her head around as though she'd forgotten where she'd drifted off. She probably had.

Harry spun around to find Remus already facing him, looking down at the book in his hand. Harry held it out to him. "Rocannon's World. The first book of the nine in the Hainish Cycle series by Ursula K. Le Guin. Pretty good. I'd recommend reading them in order."

Hermione had fallen in love with the series during their sixth year. Something Ginny had called a distraction from Ron and Lavender Brown's newfound… relationship. It meant, however, that he had an odd amount of knowledge about them, especially since he'd never read them himself.

Remus flipped it over and read the blurb. "And this is the first one?"

"Yep." He waited for a moment, before raising a brow when Remus looked back up. "Interested?"

"Very."

Harry nodded, taking the book back, and led him back to the front desk.

Remus stuck his hands in his pockets as they went, "So, how many customers do you personally help out like this?"

"Just the ones that I think I can squeeze the extra quid out of."

"Oh, and I'm one of those, am I?"

Harry waved the book at him, just out of his reach. "Would you be buying this if you weren't?"

Remus sighed, defeated, and took one hand out of his pocket, unlatched his satchel and dug around for his wallet. "No. I wouldn't be. Bet you bring in a lot of money, then. If you're this... charming all the time."

"I'll have you know I am this charming all the time. It's constant, I can't turn it off."

"That's terrible, and the doctors can't do anything for you?"

"They've tried. Effectively, it's terminal."

"Only in your case."

Harry grinned. "Both you and the owner hope so dearly, I'm sure."

"Referring to yourself in the third person, now?"

"Huh? No."

"...are you not the owner, then?"

Harry laughed. "Oh, no. Mr Healy is the owner. I just do all the work and the cleaning and the cashing out and stack the shelves." Harry leant forward, as though sharing a secret, but raised his voice so that it carried into the backroom, "Healy just sits on his arse all day and lets my back pay for it."

There was grumbling that floated out from the office and Mr Healy stuck his head out a moment later. His stark white hair was sticking up in every-which-way and Harry fought down his grin. "Don' make me warn ya again, Sayre. You're on yer third one this week!"

Harry made a praying gesture to him and bowed his head. "Of course, sir. Yes, anything you say. I am in reverence to you."

"Shut it, ya good for nothing, piece of..." his voice trailed off as he hobbled his way back into the room, and Harry turned back to Remus, chuckling.

Remus had a frown on his face. Harry cashed him up and passed him Rocannon's World over the counter. He raised a brow and Remus snapped out of it, taking the book off his hands. "Sorry, thanks."

"Something wrong?"

"No, just. Sorry," he paused, frowning again, "your last name is Sayre?"

Harry's heart leapt into his throat. He hadn't planned on revealing his name so soon. Well, he supposed, he hadn't planned on meeting Remus so soon. Actually, not at all. Damn, Healy.

Damn himself.

"Uh, yeah." He tried to look as casual as possible, ripping the receipt out of the machine and handing it over into Remus' waiting hand. "Rigel Sayre, is the full name. My full name."

On a limb, Harry held his hand out over the counter, with a small smile, "Good to meet you...?"

"Oh!" Remus said, jumping and he pressed his hand forward, "Remus Lupin. Nice to meet you, too."

Harry chuckled. "Alright, Remus Lupin," He pointed to Rocannon's World, "enjoy that. Savour it." He paused, considered the young man in front of him. The ease with which they could speak.

The world without him back home.

His tongue flew loose before he knew what he was doing. "And then come back for the next one."

"Which is?"

"Planet of Exile. Mind-boggling, seriously." Thank the Gods for Hermione Granger.

Remus nodded along, but his eyes looked unfocused, and Harry had the sudden, scary thought that it might have to do with him and the introduction of his name. "Right. Yes, I will." He shook his hand and smiled genuinely. "How many did you say there were in the series?"

"Nine."

"Enough to keep me going, then."

"For now."

Remus lifted a clearly distracted hand and gave a small smile in goodbye before leaving, the bell tinkling after him.

And for Harry, well.

Panic set in.