Chapter TWO!

Thank you everyone for the kind reviews!

Again, not betaed so forgive any errors. But don't let a few mis-types hinder the story!


Remus woke with a slight start, muscles taunting slightly for a brief moment as his mind quickly settled back what happened that day. Harry. His eyes snapped open at the thought, stretching just slightly with a soft hum before settling his gaze to the couch.

Harry has shifted at one point, now rolled onto his side with a hand curled under the fluffy pillow.

Sighing, the man raised his eyes up to the clock before settling back down. As much as he wanted to allow the boy to sleep as long as he needed, he knew Harry would feel much better after being fed a warm meal and bath. With a sigh, Remus stood from the chair and leaned back slightly, stretching his back out with a soft groan.

He was sure he shouldn't feel as uneasy as he did. After all, where the child fell asleep at and where he was waking we're very different.. and if Harry didn't want to stay? Then what?

Remus shook his head at the thought. That would be a bridge to cross if it even came.

Moving across the short distancing to the couch, Remus sat down carefully on the edge next to the child. Frowning, he rested his hand upon Harry's shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. When no immediate reaction came forth, he rubbed his thumb slowly against the sleeve. "Harry.."

Harry, for his part, found himself in a fitful sleep. His mind waking and registering that something was.. off. Yet he was sure to keep his eyes closed while listening to the voices around him. After, what seemed to be, the nurse gave him a cup to drink- it tasted foul! It smelled worse than Dudley's old socks! Or any of his socks, really.

Whatever it was, it had made him exhausted and no matter how much he struggled, he was out within moments.

He wasn't sure how long ago that was.. but now he heard a different voice. Much more kind than the man that had been wearing black, but not sounding like the old man with the long beard. Dumbleydoor? Something or other like that. This man must not have been… where he was before. And it didn't feel like he was on that bed anymore..

Fear gripped at the nine year old's stomach. Where was he then? He didn't want to open his eyes and find out. Well… maybe?

Harry's left eye peered open, but it was useless. He was clearly without his glasses and everything was just blurred together. A soft whine passed his throat at the realization, shifting his shoulder away from the gentle touch upon his shoulder.

A gentle, "Careful now.." came from above and Harry screwed his eyes tightly shut for a moment. His hand *ached*- and it felt constrained.

"Ow.." Harry found his voice hoarse, causing a coughing fit as he leaned over slightly to press his head into the soft pillow beneath him.

Remus moved his hand to rest between the boy's shoulders, his thumb rubbing slowly. Worry started to fill the man's mind as the reality quickly set in. Harry was awake, and either this would go splendid.. or wretched. He hoped to Merlin that the child would not instantly push him away.

A muffled "Where am I..?" Met the man's ears and Remus looked down to the boy, allowing his hand to fall away. As he did so, Harry slowly pushed himself up and looked over to the man next to him with hazy eyes. Sitting up fully, the child pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes while rubbing roughly to clear his vision.

Blinking after a long moment, Harry lowered his hands back down to his sides and glanced up to Remus. The man smiled softly, standing and shifting to sit on the coffee table in front of the couch. Several words came to his lips but died immediately as he struggled to even find where to begin. From how he understood it, Harry knew nothing about the magical world, and it was going to be quite a lot for the child to take in at once.

"Here you go." Remus reached into his pocket, withdrawing the boy's glasses and holding them out as Harry pressed himself against the back cushion.

Reaching, Harry's lips turned to a small frown as he took them from the man. He studied Remus for a brief moment before slipping them on, shoulders visibly relaxing as the room came much more clear. It was cozy. Vastly different from where he was before- which had been white and bright. Much like a hospital. This room however, felt… safe. Comfortable. "Thanks.."

Remus gave a smile, nodding as he spoke softly. "I'm sure you have.. many questions. I'll do all I can to answer them the best I can." Where could he even start, watching the unsure child glance around slowly before looking down to his knees.

Sighing, the man decided his name would be the best start.

"I'm Remus Lupin. I was… a close friend of your parents. Your father in particular."

Harry looked up at the word, swallowing nervously as a smile started to tug across his face. "Wait really? You knew my parents?" The old man from before had mentioned his parents, but hadn't mentioned being friends with them or anything of the sort.

"Really? You knew mum and dad?" There was no hiding the child's curious tone as he unfolded himself and leaned curiously further towards the man.

A smile broke across Remus' face, clearly pleased that the first hurdle was by them with little hitch. "I did.. I went here with them." The man made a slight motion with his hand before lowering back to his knee. "I'm not sure what you were told, but this is Hogwarts. A school for magic for witches and wizards." Perhaps he was rubbish at explaining things, but how else could he describe what exactly Hogwarts was to a child who knew nothing of it?

"Magic? But magic isn't real." Harry wrinkled his nose slightly at the words, leaning back into the dark cushion of the black couch.

"And who's said that?" Remus tilted his head slightly as he rested his chin on his palm, elbow resting upon his while he leaned forward slightly. His smile softened as Harry only looked down with his own half shrug.

"My aunt and uncle.." Harry uttered softly under a sigh.

The words caused Remus to sigh himself, lowering his hand down with a frown. Of course he knew just a bit of information about Petunia. The woman had thrown a horribly fit after learning Lily had become pregnant just after herself. The rage from the woman had hurt Lily far more than she had seemed to let on- and so it came as no surprise to Remus that Petunia had lashed at the child in some forsaken way.

"Well," He started, sitting up slightly while forcing a smile. "You don't mind anything they have told you. Magic is very much real. Your mother could use magic, your father… even you." Those words caused a startling reaction from the child, who rapidly shook his head while closing his eyes.

"No. I can't do magic.." Harry blinked, looking down to his hands as he curled his fingers into the fabric of his jeans.

"You can't? I believe you've had quite a bout of accidental magic.. Professor Dumbledore mentioned something happening at your relatives?" Remus reached, gently tapping Harry's knee with a finger and smiling in assurance as the child looked up to him.

Harry frowned, pulling his legs to himself as he looked back down to his knees. "...I didn't do anythin'. Dudley was being mean. Then he was on the ground. But I really-!"

"Didn't do anything. I absolutely believe you." Remus' hand shifted to gently squeeze the boy's knee in assurance. "That simply sounds like a bout of accidental magic. It happens far more often than you think."

Harry shifted slightly, sparing a look up to the man. "So… Can lots of people do magic? Can you? What about those other people? One really LOOKED like a wizard. Was he really?" It became clear rather quickly that the child was becoming far more relaxed, eyes searching Remus in pure curiosity. To which the man smiled and slowly nodded along with each question.

"Yes, yes. Everyone you've met here thus far can perform magic. Myself included."

Remus watched as the child's face broke out in a full grin, his own smile breaking across. "Now.. I'm sure you have plenty of questions. But I have quite a serious one of my own.. and you may take a few days to think of it of course.."

Harry's smile faltered just slightly, giving a slow nod.

"You just met me, and I would absolutely love to get to know you more. I haven't seen you since you were a baby, after all. But," Remus paused, gathering his thoughts, "but I would very much like for you to stay with me. Here at hogwarts." His breath felt stuck as he watched the child stare at him quite intently before Harry glanced around the room and towards the large window that allowed the evening sunlight glow warmly across the parlor.

"Stay here?" Harry reiterated, looking back over to Remus. "What about my aunt and uncle?"

Remus smiled gently, taking in a breath. "Would you rather go back to them?" Of course it wasn't on the table, but he was curious.

A shaking head was his quick reply. "I don't wanna go back.." Harry muttered, looking down to his legs.

"I didn't think so. I think we'll get along just great. Hm? I'll tell you whatever I can about your parents. Show you around the castle.." As Remus spoke, he reached out and gently ran his fingers through the boy's messy hair. "But I think right now a nice warm bath is calling your name. Then a dinner of roast and potatoes, how about that?"

Harry blinked, a bright smile soon crossing his face at the plan. "Okay!" He beamed to the man, standing as Remus did.

"Good then we can explore the second floor together." Remus rested a hand gently against Harry's back, guiding him up to the staircase before ushering the child up first.

Harry darted up the stairs, pausing at the second landing and looking over to Remus as the man stepped up behind him. "Let's see here.."

Stepping down the hall, Remus moved to the first door on the left. Opening it slightly, he nodded at the sight of the bathroom. The room itself was done in warm colors, a large white tub against the far wall. "You'll be in here quite soon." He looked down to the child, stepping away from the bathroom and to the room across from it.

Remus hummed softly, leaning against the door frame as he studied the large room. It was clearly more designed with himself in mind. The walls were a light mocha color, a pleasant contrast with the white ceiling above. The bed itself was quite a decent size with cream and brown sheets, a light colored headboard resting against the wall. A small bookcase was built within the far wall, the shelves filled with old volumes. Smaller shelves lined up across the walls, bare for now but a place for his own personal items.

There was a door nearby, one that Remus assumed led to the closet while the second door within the room must have led to an attached bath.

"This one is mine. Which means.." Remus turned from the room, moving to the second door just down from the loo. "This one…" he opened the door, stepping in with the child to the second bedroom. "Is yours."

Harry's mouth opened in awe at the room, which was painted in a soft grey hue with red drapes opened around the large window that overlooked the castle grounds. The bed was- well, he didn't even think Dudley had that big of a bed!

He grinned as he went over to the bed, placing his hands down on the red covers. Golden accent pillows rested against the white pillows at the head of the bed. A desk sat against the wall across the room, next to a large wardrobe.

There were a few shelves within easy reach, filled with different games and puzzles. Stuffed animals of all sorts lined up across the wall, some of them animals he had never seen before!

His grin faded slightly, looking over his shoulder to Remus. This didn't seem right. Why would he have all this? "This is mine..?"

Remus blinked as he noticed the frown forming on the child's face, standing slightly more straight before moving further into the room. "Of course it's all for you." The man moved to the bed, rubbing his hand against the top of Harry's head once more with a smile. "Let's get you bathed and have dinner hm? I'm sure you're hungry."

If Harry was honest, he was completely famished and nodded eagerly at the words. Even the bath he looked forward to.

Nodding, Remus stepped across the bedroom and over to the wardrobe. "I believe they even fetched you new clothes." His eyes shifted briefly towards Harry, who hadn't moved from the bed but was still looking around the bedroom.

Smiling softly, the man withdrew a pair of black and blue pajamas for the child as well as a pair of shorts. "Come, let's get you cleaned up hm?" Remus turned to Harry, his smile encouraging as the child once more nodded in his direction. He extended an arm out to the child with a small motion for him to follow.

Looking back down to his bed briefly, Harry moved away and followed after Remus, deciding to linger just a few steps back as they walked back to the bathroom. Remus moved to the tub, sitting at the edge while turning on the water. His hand rested under the tap, nodding as it turned to a warm temperature before picking up a small vial at the edge of the tub. Tipping just a few drops in, Remus stood as several bubbles began to form.

"You get in there and tell me when you're in." Remus paused at the sink counter, placing the clothes down upon it with a glance to Harry. His eyes lingered up on the child's mud-matted hair. "I'll help with your hair, if you feel fine with that." He watched a flash of uncertainty cross the child's face and he reached out, gently rubbing a large knot out of Harry's hair.

"Ow.." Harry protested softly, moving his head away with a pout. He hated that he wasn't able to clean his hair yesterday after everything! It wouldn't have been so bad! "Guess I need help.." He whispered softly, running his own hand painfully through his hair before giving up with a pitiful sigh and dropping his hand to his side.

Remus gave a soft hum, moving past the child and gently nudging his shoulder into the bathroom. "I'll tell you a story about your father once you're ready. How does that sound?"

The child grinned, stepping over to the tub before turning back towards Remus. "Really? Yeah!"

Remus gave a nod, stepping out of the bathroom while closing the door partly to be sure he could hear the child when called. He moved down the hall, opening up a small cabinet closer to his own bedroom door. Opening it, he gave a nod of approval at the small vials and several other things that would be needed in the case the child fell ill. A better access than those downstairs.

Closing the cabinet door, the man glanced back as he heard his name called from within the bathroom.

Harry sat within the bubbles, raising a handful and blowing them out with a grin. He looked over to the door as Remus stepped into the bathroom, ducking down into the bath and up to his shoulders in the bubbles. "I've never had a big bubble bath before," the child whispered softly as Remus rolled up his sleeves while sitting on his knees next to the tub.

"No? I find it relaxing. Here," Remus handed the child a washcloth and soap. "You wash up and I'll start on your hair."

As Harry took the offered items, Remus turned his attention onto the child's hair while summoning a small basin. Dipping the corner into the tub, a few of the suds disappeared as the water pooled into the basin; yet left the same amount of bubbles within the tub for the child to enjoy.

"You really knew mum and dad?" Harry tested, rubbing his arms slowly with the washcloth while glancing over to Remus.

"I did. I met your father when I was eleven when we started school together. I didn't know your mother right away, but we met the same year." Remus used one hand to shield over the child's forehead, running the water from the basin over Harry's hair before resting it down to his side. "You look just like him, except you have your mother's eyes."

Harry's eyes closed as he felt the man start to lather shampoo into his hair, sighing and blinking to look down at the multicolored bubbles. "Really?" The child continued to wash with the cloth, looking over towards Remus, who gave a nod.

Remus frowned as he focused on a large knot, gently breaking it up before running his fingers through despite the small "Ow.." that the child emitted.

"That was the worst one." Remus assured softly, returning back to lathering up the child's hair. "But yes. I'm sure I can find all the pictures I have of the group of us. Your father had quite the talent for trouble. In and out of school."

"Really?" The child repeated, a small grin tugging across his lips.

The word caused the man to chuckle. "Really. So don't go getting any ideas, young man. I know all the tricks in the book." Remus once more rested a hand over the child's forehead to protect Harry's eyes from the fresh onslaught of water to clear away the suds. "Much better." Remus nodded, running his hand through the cleaned hair.

"Do you want to spend some more time here to play? I'll see if I can find those pictures to unpack and show you during dinner." Remus stood, using a hand towel to dry his hands before pulling his sleeves down.

Harry grinned to the man, sinking further into the mass of bubbles. "Okay." He muttered shyly, rubbing the washcloth over his arm again while looking down. He was used to being rushed out of the bath, so he couldn't deny the time offered to enjoy it.

Remus hummed, tapping the sink to gather the boy's attention once more. "Once you're done, change and come downstairs. Don't stay in the cold water once it starts to cool."

Harry nodded seriously.

The man smiled in return, exiting the bathroom and closing the door behind him. Moving across the hall, Remus went into his own room to sort out several of his own personal items.


Nearly half an hour passed before Harry slowly stepped down the stairs, holding onto the bannister as he moved. He paused close to the bottom of the stairs, peering into the parlor and looking over to Remus who sat within one of the armchairs next to the fireplace. The room was a comfortable temperature with a low flame casting a glow across the floor.

Remus had a small photo album resting against his leg as he slowly flipped through the pages. His eyes settled up at the faint sound of footsteps, smiling as Harry stepped down onto the floor. "There you are." The man stood, stretching out his back with a faint *pop* within his bones while holding the photo album at his side.

"Come. Let's eat some dinner hm?" Remus flashed a smile as Harry returned it with one of his own, nodding while following into the dining room.

"I can eat at the table?" The child tested, resting a hand against one of the wooden chairs with a glance over to Remus for confirmation.

"Of course. Whichever chair you'd like."

Nodding at the words, Harry watched Remus take a seat at one of the end chairs before deciding to sit next to the man's right.

Before them, the plates were filled with a decent size of roast, mashed potatoes and a small serving roasted corn on the cob.

It was a lot. At least to Harry, and he frowned just slightly. Would he have to eat it all? "Um… what- what if I can't eat it all?" He swallowed,

"Hm?" Remus placed the photo album between them on the table, sparing a quick glance to the child's plate. "Eat what you can then. Don't want you feeling ill on your first night here, do we?"

Harry offered a smile, his shoulders slouching slightly as he felt himself relax at the words. Good. "Thanks." His eyes settled on the photo album, reaching his hand up slightly to tug it closer to himself.

Remus allowed the action, picking up his fork as he watched the child from the corner of his eye. He wanted the boy to be curious.

Pulling the book slightly closer, Harry smiled as he instantly noticed his parents. Remus was right. He did look like his dad! It was clearly from his parents' wedding; his mum in a long white dress that seemed to shimmer as she- she moved!

"Whoa!" Harry grinned as he moved to another picture, this one looking like a group of teens. One was clearly his dad, another looked like Remus- the other two he was unsure of. Like before, they were moving around as well! One waved towards the camera, and Harry beamed as he watched the movements. "The pictures move!" He declared, looking up to Remus.

The man smiled softly, lowering his fork down as he decided to watch the boy. "They do. That's magic for you." He hummed, smiling fully as Harry's own smile brightened across his face.

"That's so cool.. mum was really pretty." Harry flipped to another picture, smiling at the faces of both Lily and James. Another wedding photo.

"She was. You can keep this you know.." Remus gently pushed the album closer to the child, watching as Harry pulled it the rest of the way.

"But it's yours.."

Remus shook his head slightly, smiling. "I think you'll have far more enjoyment with them than I."

Harry's smile remained bright, closing the album carefully as he looked back to his meal. It was still steaming warm.

"Eat up what you can. Once you're full, don't force yourself to eat anymore." Remus reminded him from his side. The man picked up his own fork once more, nodding in approval as Harry did the same.

The dinner itself was a quiet one, Harry's eyes darting to the photo album every few minutes before looking down to his plate with a smile. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad staying with Remus. His aunt and uncle never had pictures of his parents- or him. Or ever really TALKED about them..

Harry shook his head slightly at the thought as he picked up the cob of corn and took a large bite.

Remus' own smile remained as he watched Harry through the side of his eyes. If he was honest with himself, he wasn't that hungry that night either. It all seemed quite surreal to him. He hadn't seen Harry since he was an infant, and yet here he was. Accepting thus far to be in his care.

The child ate just over half of the meal, pushing his plate away slowly with a frown. It was an amazing meal and he actually wanted to eat it! But it was just.. too much. "Sorry.." he uttered softly, resting his hands down to his lap with a frown.

The man waved a hand slightly at the apology, smiling softly. "Nonsense. You ate what you could." Tapping his fingers to the table, the dishes disappeared away which caused a started reaction from the child. Magic had to be real! Or he was dreaming.. maybe he was dreaming. That could explain everything.

Remus stood, picking up the photo album and holding it out for Harry to take.

Harry spared a look up to the smile Remus offered before giving his own and taking the offered album with a soft "Thanks."

"Let's relax in the parlor for a little, hm? I feel tomorrow will be a busy day." Remus led the way into the parlor, looking over his shoulder to Harry as the child followed suit. Sitting on the couch, the man patted the cushion next to him. "You know, you're free to pick out as many pictures as you'd like and we can frame them up to have in your room."

The nine year old sat next to Remus, a feeling of safety and trust quickly washing over him as he leaned slightly into the man's side. "Really?"

Remus nodded, resting his arm across the back of the couch as Harry leaned against him. "Of course. We can get some frames tomorrow so you can pick out some. Then if we need more… then, we'll go get more."

Harry rested the photo album on his lap, crossing his legs as he opened up the pages once more. "That's you?"

The man tilted his head slightly to the side, smiling sadly at the group photo that consisted of him, James, Sirius and Peter. No doubt their last year at hogwarts. "It is." He hummed softly.

With a smile, Harry stretched his arms up and allowed them to fall back to his lap with a sigh. He could get used to this. He didn't have to make dinner or rush out of the bath.. and he had a bedroom!

He rubbed at his face with a small yawn, allowing the album to close as he rested his head back into the couch.

"Still tired? I'm sure you need a good night's rest." Remus stood carefully from the couch, frowning as he noticed the child's eyes already closed. Guilt rushed briefly to the surface that he had to wake the child previously. It was clear just how exhausted the boy was. Carefully, he removed the album from Harry's hold before lifting the boy up. Minding the bandaged hand, Remus adjusted the child to rest at his hip, smiling as Harry's head rested into his shoulder. Bending slightly, he picked up the photo album and moved across the parlor slowly before starting up the stairs.

Harry shifted his head slightly, his arms curling around Remus' neck on instinct while he was carried up the stairs. He was vaguely aware he was being moved.. and just didn't care. He was so sleepy..

Once Remus stepped onto the second floor landing, he moved down the hall and to Harry's room. Tomorrow he would be sure the room was to the child's liking. Perhaps he wanted different colors? Sighing softly, he placed the photo album down on the bed-side table before pulling the covers back.

Carefully, the man laid the child down into the sheets and pulled the covers up and over Harry's shoulders. Waving a hand, the lights dimmed within the room, leaving a faint glow from the hall.

Tomorrow he would see how the child was feeling about staying with him. Then go from there. Perhaps a trip to Diagon Alley, or even a trip to London. Or even if he wanted to simply spend the day inside.

Standing straight, Remus smiled before turning and quietly exiting the child's room while leaving the door opened just enough for light to come in.

Humming, the man moved back towards the stairs and descended down to the first floor and into the parlor. The next few days would be the most telling and he hoped they would go smoothly. Sitting back into the armchair closest to dying flames, Remus leaned back and picked up the small book resting on the arm.

Rest would come smoothly.