Remus Lupin stared in wonder at little Harry Potter. He'd managed to make it to Minerva's home before they'd left to go shopping. He didn't think that he'd be able to tolerate waiting for them to be finished with their errands. When Dumbledore had sought him out to tell him about Harry, he'd been devastated to hear of the boy's mistreatment. James and Lily would never have allowed their precious son to be so neglected. And Remus would never forgive himself if he didn't come to Harry's aid now.

Harry tilted his head to one side, wondering at the newcomer's watery gaze. "Do- Do I make you sad?" Harry asked.

Remus smiled and cleared his throat. "Only because you look so much like your dad," Remus replied quietly. "I'm really very glad to see you Harry."

"You knew my dad too?" Harry asked, eagerness creeping into his tone.

"He was one of my best friends," Remus answered. "You called me Uncle Moony when you were a baby. Well, you tried to call me Uncle Moony," he amended with a watery chuckle. "You left a few letters out."

Minerva smiled encouragingly at Remus. He'd been one of her favorite students when he'd been at school. His status as a werewolf had set him up for a difficult life, and he often isolated himself from others since his dearest friends were either dead of in Azkaban prison. Harry and Remus could be very good for one another.

"Perhaps you'd like to venture out with us," Minerva suggested. "Harry's needing some things and this gives you an opportunity to talk."

Remus agreed readily and soon they left the house and went to Diagon Alley for some shopping. Clothes, books and toys were purchased while Harry remained mostly silent, astounded that all of these items were apparently for him. He'd never had new things. His clothes had all been Dudley's and they never fit properly, hanging off of Harry's tiny frame. His only toys were those that he could find in the trash after Dudley had broken them. Minerva had even sent him to the loo to change into some of his new clothes partway into the shopping trip.

After lunch, Minerva decided that Harry needed some time to play. He'd been so well behaved, especially for one so young, and she was eager to reward him. She found a nearby park that was frequented by muggle and magical children alike. At that time, it was mostly abandoned, likely because of the heat. But, there was shade from some nearby trees and Harry had looked at the playground equipment so hopefully.

The only other people on the playground were a woman and a little boy that appeared to be around Harry's age. The woman was reading, occasionally glancing at her son to make sure he didn't wander off. They looked familiar...

The little boy was holding a dark green stuffed dragon while he scampered up the steps of the slide before sailing back down to the grass. Then he hopped onto one of the swings and wiggled about trying to get it to move. Harry approached him hesitantly, unsure of how he'd be received. "Want me to push you?" Harry asked.

The boy looked at Harry with a little frown, his gray eyes looking Harry over. "I like to go high," he stated simply , carefully keeping his dragon pinned under his arm while he gripped the chains of the swing.

Harry moved behind the other boy and gave him a push forward. He gave another push and then another until the other boy was laughing in delight. Harry smiled, the movement of the swing pushing a light breeze against his face.

After a while, the swing slowed and the little blond boy hopped off. "I'm Draco Malfoy," he announced proudly.

"I'm Harry Potter," Harry said, not noticing that Remus and Minerva were approaching.

Draco's eyes widened. He knew that name. He'd heard stories about the famous Boy Who Lived. To think that he'd had Harry Potter pushing him on the swings. Pansy would be so jealous.

"I like your dragon," Harry said. "Can I touch it?" He reached toward the stuffed dragon tentatively, wondering if it was as soft and squishy as it looked. His hand was swatted away.

"No!" Draco declared indignantly. "Mother says that I don't have to share my toys with anyone. They're mine."

"That's not very nice," Remus muttered, placing a consoling hand on Harry's shoulder.

"It's okay Uncle Moony," Harry sighed quietly. "Dudley doesn't like to share with me either. We can go now." His shoulders had sagged a bit in disappointment, but there was no use in complaining. Nobody ever played with him.

"Draco!"

The other woman hurried over to them, her eyes widening in recognition. She grasped her son's hand protectively, pulling him closer to her. "What do you want?" she snapped, glaring at Minerva.

Minerva gave her an exasperated look, gesturing at Harry.

Narcissa Malfoy looked down at Harry, recognition flickering on her face as she caught a glimpse of the scar that was mostly hidden by his hair. The boy didn't seem dangerous, and nobody was sure of how he defeated the dark lord. Still, he was in the care of two known members of the Order of the Phoenix and her husband was a death eater. It was best to take her child and leave.

"Come Draco," she said, pulling her son along. To her surprise, he resisted.

Draco wasn't really paying attention to the adults and their discomfort. He had found himself more interested in the sad look on Harry's face. Draco didn't often get to play with other children. And he didn't much like the children that he was forced to interact with. But Harry had pushed him on the swings. And he didn't fight or argue when Draco wouldn't let him touch his toy dragon. Draco suddenly had the impulse to try something different.

"Mother?" he asked, his voice sweet. "May I share my dragon with Harry? I want to play with him."

Narcissa paused, sighing quietly. That was certainly not a request that her son had ever made before. "Darling, you can't play with... Harry," she said stiffly.

"Why not?" Draco asked petulantly. "He's nice and pushed me on the swing." He looked down, shuffling his feet a bit and casting a shy look at Harry. "I want him for my friend."

"You have friends already," Narcissa argued.

"No, I don't!" Draco cried, getting frustrated. "Other boys don't play with me, or they're mean. And I don't like Pansy." His bottom lip made its quivering appearance as he looked up at his mother with pleading eyes. "I want a friend."

Narcissa frowned, hating to see her son so upset. She knew he must be lonely. Draco was, admittedly, a spoilt child. A lot of the other pureblood children were much the same. It was common among the wealthy families. They formed alliances rather than friendships. It's how things were done. But... She wanted more for her son. She met Minerva's suspicious gaze. "Would you mind?" she asked warily

Minerva pursed her lips, glancing at Harry. He was looking at Draco hopefully. She turned to Remus, at a loss.

Remus was looking between the two boys. "Would you like a new friend Harry?" he asked. Remus didn't care for the Malfoys. But, he couldn't help but wonder if a friendship between Harry and the little Malfoy heir would be beneficial. For all her faults, Narcissa loved her son.

"Can I?" Harry asked. "I don't have any friends."

"You have me," Draco said, grabbing Harry's hand excitedly. "I want to be your friend." He looked at the adults. "Can we play?" Barely waiting for a nod of acceptance, he pulled Harry toward the swings. He urged Harry to sit on a swing and then pressed his stuffed dragon into Harry's arms before he moved to press his hands to Harry's back.

Harry was surprised by Draco's change of attitude. He hadn't wanted to share his toy with Harry. But now it seemed that he wanted a friend badly enough to surrender his toy. Harry hadn't encountered someone that really wanted to be friends with him before.

"This complicates things," Narcissa murmured, watching the two boys.

"Or maybe it's more simple than you think," Remus said lightly. "Though, I'm assuming that Lucius must not be made aware of this."

"He would not be pleased," Narcissa agreed. "But, Draco was right. He doesn't have friends. Not really. He mainly associates with the children of..."

"Death Eaters?" Minerva suggested, watching Harry attempt to hug the dragon while holding onto the swing.

"I admit to nothing," Narcissa responded haughtily. "But, shifting aside loyalties from the war... I want Draco safe and happy. I'm clever enough to recognize a beneficial alliance when I see one." She fell silent, watching as Harry tumbled from the swing, giggling and hugging the stuffed dragon. Draco pulled him to his feet, laughing as well.

The three adults watched silently as the two little boys chased one another, giggling and shrieking. Draco poked carefully at the bandages on Harry's arm, but carefully avoided jostling it in their play. They played until they were exhausted from the heat and the energy they'd expended. Remus gave them some pumpkin juice from a flask, laughing when Harry hummed happily at the new flavor.

"We should be going now," Minerva said lightly.

"But-" Draco objected, already working up a good pout.

"We need to be going as well," Narcissa informed her son, giving him a sharp look to halt his arguments.

Draco sighed unhappily. "When will I be able to play with Harry again?" he asked, shifting a little closer to the brunet. "He's my best friend, so we have to be together sometimes."

Narcissa frowned thoughtfully. What were the odds that she'd allow her son to come to this park on the day that Harry Potter was brought to play? As far as she knew, nobody had really seen the boy since that fateful night when his parents had died and Voldemort had been defeated. But there he was, in an ordinary park, enchanting her son with his sweetness. Narcissa had never known Draco to take to anyone so well. She cleared her throat delicately, wondering if her choice would have far reaching consequences.

"We may come back to this park next week," Narcissa said pointedly. She waited, unsure of how the Order members would respond.

"It is a nice park," Remus noted. "Perhaps Harry would enjoy having a picnic lunch here," he mentioned to Minerva. Minerva rolled her eyes but gave a terse nod.

Draco cheered, pulling Harry into a hug. "We'll see each other again next week!" he enthused. "Don't forget about me Harry."

"I won't," Harry promised, a little confused by the hug, but enjoying it all the same. The boys offered a parting wave, glancing back at each other as they were lead away.

Arriving back at Minerva's house, Harry was ushered upstairs to put away his new things. Minerva prepared dinner while Remus helped Harry. The little boy seemed delighted by the magic used to put everything away, and overwhelmed with the knowledge that all of the new items were for him.

"Did you have fun today?" Remus asked.

"Yes," Harry answered with a shy smile. "I've never had new clothes and toys before. And I made my first friend today." He paused, biting his lip, before going on. "I thought maybe Draco was like Dudley. But then he wanted to play with me. And he hugged me," he added.

"He did," Remus chuckled. "I think he's excited to be your friend. Maybe you could bring a toy to share with him the next time you play together," he suggested.

Harry nodded eagerly, happy to do something nice for his new friend.

Remus swallowed hard around a lump in his throat. He felt so guilty for staying away for so long. Could he have prevented the poor treatment of this darling little boy? There was nothing he could do about his past mistakes, but he could be there for Harry now. He'd love James and Lily's son as they had.

When Harry went to bed, Remus sat down with Minerva for a cup of tea. They hadn't had much opportunity to talk all day with Harry being with them. Albus had made himself scarce all day, likely avoiding Minerva's wrath.

"What do you think of him?" Minerva asked, giving Remus a knowing look.

"He's wonderful," Remus responded. "Such a kind heart and sweet spirit. I don't see how anyone could be cruel to him."

"I agree," Minerva sighed. "But we're fixing that now. Harry will be in my care, but I'll need someone to keep him while I'm at Hogwarts."

"I can't," Remus said, his expression sad and regretful.

"Being a werewolf doesn't make you unfit to look after Harry," Minerva said. "I've already talked to Albus and he'll make allowances so I can take Harry during the full moon."

"Surely someone else would be better suited," Remus argued. "The Weasleys-"

"Already have five children that are not yet old enough for Hogwarts," Minerva retorted. "Their hands are full. And, I think Harry would benefit from more individual care." She huffed a little when Remus looked away. "This is what James and Lily would have wanted. You know that's true."

Remus knew there was little point in arguing. He supposed that it would be fine if Minerva already had a plan in place for the full moon. And he had to agree with Minerva's assessment. Harry deserved some time to have his care be someone's central focus. Minerva was strict, but she was caring. She'd make sure that Harry was well cared for. He'd probably end up the most polite and well behaved child in England under her guidance. The thought made Remus smile.

"Co-parenting Harry Potter," Remus said with a sad little smile. "I wish that I had stuck around to keep an eye on him. I thought he'd be alright with the Dursleys. If I hadn't been so selfish-"

"It's useless to think that way," Minerva chided. "You were grieving. You lost your friends that night. And I don't think anyone expected Albus to make such a poor judgement call," she added, looking annoyed. "All you can do now is make sure that Harry is safe and loved."

Remus nodded mutely, unable to speak for the moment. He wasn't sure that he'd ever be able to express his gratitude to his ex-professor.


Meeting the Weasleys was as chaotic as Minerva feared it would be. The twins, Fred and George, played little pranks while Percy complained loudly and frequently. Ron and Ginny had been eager to play, but Harry had become very nervous around all the noise and people.

Minerva had been stunned when Harry had clung anxiously to her side. His green eyes filled with tears as he cringed away from the raucous laughter of the twins. Minerva lifted Harry onto her lap while Molly Weasley scolded her children and sent them upstairs.

"I'm sorry Harry dear," Molly said sympathetically. "They're just very excited. Would like some pie?"

Harry sniffled, rubbing his eyes. He nodded slowly, after a glance to be sure that Minerva didn't mind. "Minnie?" Harry asked softly. "Is it always so loud here?"

Minerva chuckled. "Sometimes," she admitted. "But they're a nice family and I think they'll be good friends for you. Just give it time."

Harry nodded obediently. Then he smiled uncertainly when a generous helping of pie was place in front of him. "Thank you," he said to Molly politely.

"What lovely manners," Molly praised. She smiled kindly at Harry's bashful grin. "We'll all be good friends Harry."

Minerva looked on as Molly and Arthur coaxed Harry into conversation. She had been surprised by the fact that Harry had sought comfort from her. It made sense, since he didn't know anyone else, but it was profound for Minerva. Despite fearing that she would fail to provide the affection that Harry needed, in a matter of days she'd made him feel safe enough to turn to her for comfort and security.

On Harry's birthday, Remus took him to the park. Harry had liked the idea of a birthday party, but the thought of being crowded into a room with all of the Weasley children made Harry rather nervous. So, Minerva was going to provide a special dinner and cake while Remus took the birthday boy to the park.

Draco was brought to the park as well, carrying a present for Harry. He was looking quite pleased with himself as he handed the package to Harry. "Happy birthday!" Draco exclaimed excitedly.

"Thank you," Harry replied, eyeing the present curiously.

"It's for you silly," Draco told him. "Open it."

Harry hesitantly pulled the wrapping paper away and opened the box. Inside was a stuffed dragon, like Draco's. But this one was a lighter green.

"Now you've got one too," Draco said cheerfully. "We can play with them together."

Harry stared at the dragon in his hands. He'd never gotten a present before. He liked Draco's toy dragon, but now he had his own.

Draco frowned worriedly as he noticed tears in Harry's eyes. Narcissa noticed them as well. In the weeks that they'd been meeting for play dates, she'd been watching the boy who lived. She spoke little to his guardians, but she had discovered that he'd been living with muggles. Clearly he'd not been doted on like Draco had. While she didn't care to get attached, she felt a twinge of compassion for the boy's distress. Narcissa gave Draco a little push toward his friend.

Draco took the cue appropriately and hugged Harry. "I'm sorry Harry," he said hesitantly. "I thought you'd like it. I can get you something else."

"I love it," Harry replied softly. "Thank you."

Draco gave one final squeeze and then released Harry. "Good," Draco said. "Now, we have to think of a name for it." He looped his arm through Harry's and guided them toward a lovely patch of grass in the shade.

"Young Harry has an interesting effect on my son," Narcissa commented, watching the two boys pensively.

"We're... grateful that you allow Draco to play with Harry," Remus said softly. "He's very fond of Draco. He doesn't have many friends."

"I find that hard to believe," Narcissa said. "He's a surprisingly pleasant child."

Remus considered Narcissa for a moment. For obvious reasons, he couldn't tell her much. But, Harry's muggle relatives hardly mattered at this point and Harry was well protected.

"Harry was neglected and abused by his family," Remus said, careful to keep his voice down. "When we came here the first time, his arm was bandaged because his cousin had broken his arm and then he'd been left outside to suffer alone." He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "He was so surprised when Minerva bought him clothes and toys. He got up early that first day and tried to cook breakfast, because it was expected of him at his aunt's house. A five year old," he added bitterly.

Narcissa was horrified. She had known that the child looked a little too thin and strangely skittish... But she hadn't understood what he'd been through. She would have thought the boy who lived would be pampered and adored like her own son. The thought made her chest tighten with sympathy.

"Poor dear," Narcissa murmured. "I'm glad he's being properly cared for now." She hesitated, glancing at Remus. "And I'm happy to allow Draco to associate with him, provided it remains secret. I can't risk my son's safety."

Remus nodded in understanding. "I wouldn't compromise Draco's safety," he assured her. "I'm actually rather fond of him. I won't hold my opinion of Lucius against Draco." He smiled when peals of laughter came from the two boys who were now tickle fighting in the grass. "And Minerva agrees, despite her stern expressions."

Narcissa smiled slightly. She had a number of concerns with allowing these play dates between Draco and Harry, the first being that Lucius wouldn't be pleased. The war itself aside, Harry wouldn't be considered an appropriate playmate. He was a half-blood, and considered inferior to the Malfoy heir. But it was easy to forget their blood statuses when you witnessed their unrestrained affection for one another. It made Narcissa question her own beliefs.