A/N: I've not made a decision yet for the pairings but here are the options I'm thinking about:
Sirius/Remus as a romantic relationship or a Sirius & Remus that are brothers in all but blood. I'm leaning towards the brothers in all but blood. That way all their focus can be on Harry and the war.
Harry/Hermione.
Ginny/Luna. Someone asked for this option and I must say, I think those two could be very cute together. Fierce little Ginny guarding a dreamy Luna, I can see it.
Ron still has the emotional range of a teaspoon at this time so he will be single for a while longer. Still, the romance bits will be far off for a while yet. Remus will be mostly focussing on Harry and so will Sirius not matter which way I will write their relationship.
Thoughts?
And now, on to chapter three!
A week later and Harry and Remus had both settled in well. They hadn't seen the three Dursleys since that first day and that suited them both perfectly. The trunk was starting to become a home to the two of them, the first one in a long time. But Remus was still thinking about what he should tell Petunia.
On one hand, she was ill and Remus wasn't sure if she knew it yet. On the other hand, this was the woman who 'raised' Harry. But Remus didn't want to be cruel, to be like them. He needed to tell her, he knew that. If only so she would survive what he and Sirius were planning for her and her husband. So he would. Soon.
But first he needed to focus on Harry. They've had a long talk about what Remus was expecting from Harry and what Harry wanted for himself.
It took a while before Harry admitted that while he liked cooking, he didn't like it when it was forced. Once again a painful hint as to how Harry had grown up. Those kept popping up the longer they lived together and it hurt. Remus regretted so much.
Remus could understand that Harry wanted to a choice, so he offered to do the cooking for them and if Harry wanted to take over, he just had to ask.
For the rest of the household chores they agreed that Harry would keep his own room neat and tidy and only had to pick up after himself. Remus would do the cooking and the rest could easily be done with magic. Both wizards hated dusting with a fiery passion so it was great that there were household charms for that kind of thing.
It was going well. Harry and he were growing more comfortable with each other and most importantly, Harry was happy. But sometimes, well, sometimes Remus thought back to the evening he went looking for answers.
Flashback:
Standing in front of the cupboard underneath the stairs Remus took a deep breath. Even with the door closed he could smell the cleaning products that were recently used by Petunia Dursley. But even that couldn't hide it. His nose burned with the scents, the emotions, he could smell.
Dispair. Loneliness. Hunger. Pain.
Harry.
His cub had spent a lot of time here in this little cupboard. Steeling himself, he took out his wand and opened the door with a quiet Alohamora. The locks on the outside opened up and Remus looked inside.
First he noticed how small the little cupboard was. There was barely room for the cleaning few supplies, the bucket, the mop and broom inside. Then he noticed the little mattrass propped up to the side, behind the cleaning supplies. Smelling something, he pulled it closer to the front for a better look. Remus could see the dark stains and smell the urine on it. The mattress was covered in the smell of his cub.
This was his worst fears come true. Harry had spent a lot of time here. Years, if what his nose told him was right.
How long and how often did those muggles keep him locked up in here?
Ducking inside the little room, Remus searched for some more clues. A few broken toy soldiers and a crayon later, he found a little rolled up ball of paper. Unfolding it, his heart broke. In shaky and childish writing it said,
Harys Room
This house had four fucking bedrooms and those monsters had put a child, his cub, in the cupboard under the stairs?! Realising the growl building up inside his chest could give him away, wake up those monsters, he took a moment to cool down his fury.
This had been Harry's bedroom.
While Remus had been traveling the world, his cub, James and Lily's son, had been locked up in a broom cupboard.
He will get his revenge. Vernon and Petunia Dursley will get exactly what they deserve.
This he swears.
End Flashback.
He hadn't told Harry what he discovered that night. He never would. Harry needed to be the one to tell him about this, about everything if he ever felt comfortable enough to do so. Otherwise Remus would just be one more adult who broke his trust.
But it did make him think about getting a mind Healer, and a normal Healer for Harry. For Sirius too. The two of them have led hard lives and it showed. A Healer should be able to fix much of it, Remus hoped.
Remus hadn't heard from Sirius in over a week and he was starting to worry. He hadn't heard a word since that last letter back when Remus was still at Hogwarts. He knew that Sirius was most likely traveling on four paws, but he had expected him to have joined them by now.
Harry didn't know about Remus worries, and he wanted to keep it that way for a bit longer. Remus had been distracting the boy as best he could. But it didn't surprise him when Harry started asking questions.
"Remus?"
Looking up from a Defense Against the Dark Arts book, Remus turned his attention to Harry.
"Do you think everything is alright with Sirius?"
Remus nodded and told him reassuringly, "I'm sure everything is fine, Harry."
Harry raised an sceptical eyebrow, "Are you just saying that or do you actually think everything is alright with Sirius?"
He gave a short laugh, "You look just like Lily when you do that, did you know?"
A complicated look came over Harry's face, "No, actually, I didn't. Everyone always says I look like dad, just with mum's eyes."
Remus sighted, "You might look a lot like James, but your expressions?" Smiling fondly at the boy he continued, "Your expressions are all Lily. Especially that eyebrow of yours."
A brilliant grin spread accros his face for a moment before Harry shook his head and firmly said, "Don't change the subject. Do you think Sirius is alright? What if the Ministry found him, or worse, what if the Dementors found and kissed him?"
"I'm sure he's fine, cub. The Daily Prophet would have announced it if they caught Sirius Black. We'll give it a few more days before starting to worry alright?"
Harry took a deep breath, "Okay, alright. If you're sure."
"I'm sure. Now, how are you doing with your Transfiguration project?"
Remus was trying to teach Harry as much as he could in the time he had. They were glad that the trunk blocked the Trace from noticing that Harry was using magic. Every morning they would start with some duelling lessons. He taught Harry some nice little spells that could get him out of trouble, hopefully. Once again Remus noticed how good Harry was when he was the only one being taught.
Harry picked the spells up quickly and Remus was so proud. He was truly a bright kid when he actually applied himself. Remus had noticed that the boy never really gave it his all in his classes. It was unfortunate because Harry clearly was a bright boy when he actually tried his best. But he supposed it was difficult to concentrate when one got into as much trouble as Harry did every year.
Further more, Remus was also teaching him the basics of Runes, some handy Charms and the basic first-aid he knew. The first-aid he'd learned from his mother and thus was muggle instead of magical. Knowing the trouble Harry got into, it would come in handy some time. But right now Harry was reading one of the Transfiguration books Remus had given him. This one was very special, it was the one the Marauders had used back in the day for a very special project of their own.
Harry looked at him with a sparkle in his eyes, "It's bloody brilliant!"
Smiling at the boy's excitement, Remus asked, "Would you like for Sirius and I to help you with it?"
"Would you?"
It was hard to say no to those sparkling green eyes but luckily, in this case, he hadn't planned to anyway, "Well, it's kind of tradition, don't you agree?"
"This is so cool! What do you think I could be?"
Remus shrugged, "Anything is possible. From birds, to canines, felines, snakes, insects and other critters. You will be able to turn into what fits you best."
A strange look flitted over Harry's face when Remus mentioned snakes. Was Harry afraid of snakes? That couldn't be it right?
"A snake?"
"Hmm yes, a snake. There are some beautiful snakes out there and I suppose a snake form could be handy." Was that casual enough? Remus didn't want to make whatever Harry was afraid of worse.
"You, you wouldn't think I was evil if my Animagus form is a snake?" Harry stuttered out after a moment of deliberation.
"Evil? No, Harry. Of course I wouldn't think you were evil because of your inner animal, no matter what you will turn in. Not even if your form is a rat or the creepiest kind of spider. Why would you ask that?" Remus was starting to get a bad feeling about this.
That's when the story about Harry's second year at Hogwarts came out. Remus had thought he knew everything already about Harry's school adventures but apparently not. Harry was a parselmouth and he had been bullied mercilessly for it.
Kneeling in front of Harry, Remus told him firmly, "Harry listen to me, Parseltongue is just a language. It doesn't mean that you're good or evil and it certainly doesn't matter to me at all that you have this ability. It's a magical gift, cub."
"Really? You don't think I'm an slimy evil snake or the next dark Lord or anything?"
"Trust me, to me, you are just Harry."
Harry mumbled quietly, "Just Harry. I like that."
Nodding firmly, Remus said, "Good. Because I'm just Remus, so we can be just Harry and just Remus together no matter what our magical gifts are."
Harry laughed shakingly at his cheesy words and Remus only felt relief. One more hurdle he had gotten through.
Remus wasn't sure he believed it himself yet, but for Harry he would try. He needed to be a good example for the kid, and his usual self-loathing just wouldn't do anymore. It was time for Remus to make an effort with his wolf.
It was a busy week for Harry, yet Remus didn't want him to just study this summer. They played games, went outside to the park and even played a soccer game yesterday. Neither of them had ever much of a chance to play with another person before so there had been some interesting moves made but it had been very fun.
Though Remus had noticed some worrying things about Harry. He was quick yes, but easily tired when not in danger, and he was truly a skinny kid. Too skinny and too small. Not to mention how often Harry ended up in the Hospital Wing after one of his adventures. Had anyone other than Poppy ever looked him over?
Harry needed a Healer.
But who could they trust?
It took a few days of thinking before Remus made a decision. Andromeda Tonks was a good Healer and one of the few good relatives Sirius had. If he could get her here without her running of to tell the Aurors or Dumbledore.
So he wrote her a letter,
Dear Mrs. Tonks,
We haven't spoken in a while, but I've returned to live in England after I heard about Sirius. There are some things you should know about that whole situation if Professor Dumbledore hasn't already informed you.
Unfortunately, I've also gotten into some trouble recently and since Saint Mungos won't treat people with my 'condition' I'm hoping if you would be willing to help me out?
If you agree, please meet me in Oakley Park in Surrey at your earliest convenience. I'll be waiting by the big oak tree.
Sincerely,
Remus Lupin
Hopefully she would agree to come meet him soon. When they met in person he could tell her about her actual patients but he didn't want to put in a a letter. Considering the patients that was just too dangerous. Harry hadn't been to an actual Healer since before his parents died and Remus wondered if the boy even got his potions against the varius wizarding diseases.
"Remus?" Harry asked as he closed his transfiguration book.
"Yes, Harry?" Focussing on Harry he waited for him to ask his question.
"Can we go outside now? I think that's the only downside of these trunks, the lack of windows."
Remus snorted, he couldn't disagree. Perhaps he could make a window or two but there would still be no fresh air. Still, it wasn't like the trunk was depressing or anything. It was a cosy three bedroom appartment, just without windows. Mmm... Remus knew he had a book somewhere that could fix that little problem.
But now Harry asked him a question. So he answered, "Sure, cub. Shall we go to the park?"
A bit later and Remus and Harry were sitting on a swing each. It was quiet in the park, most people stayed in their cool houses at this hour but the heat was easily fixed with a simple cooling charm or two.
Gently swinging back and forth Remus just took a moment to enjoy the sunshine on his face, the cool breeze as he moved throught he air. Looking next to him, he saw that Harry was doing the same.
Harry saw him looking and said, "It's almost like flying isn't it?"
"I never really liked quidditch, that was always more James and Sirius thing, but a calm flight on a broom every now and then can be lovely."
Harry nodded, "Yes, I know what you mean. I like quidditch but I love flying. It's the best thing ever!"
Remus smiled at his enthusiasme and asked, "How did you get chosen as seeker as a first year?"
That's when the story came out of Harry's first flying lesson. Once again Remus had to fight back a groan at Harry's words. How was that possible? Why did these things always happen to Harry?
But the story did raise a important question, "Do you even want to play Quidditch, cub?"
Harry looked surprised at the question and shrugged, "I like my team and the flying. It's just a bit much sometimes with everything else going on and Wood insists on early morning practise. Sunrise early, Remus. Sunrise!"
Remus laughed. Ah, the joys of an enthusiastic quidditch captain. Harry too had a happy sparkle in his eyes. It was nice to see the thirteen year old actually acting like the child, teenager, he was.
There was a moment of peaceful quiet before Remus heard a sound, a sound he had been hoping to hear. A familiar bark sounded and a big black dog bounded up closer to Harry.
"Sirius! You're finally here!" Harry jumped of the swing and kneeled down so he could greet Padfoot. The dog that was his friend wagged his tail like an excited puppy and licked the boys face. Harry spluttered as he shoved the black dog off him and let out a joyful laugh.
Padfoot barked softly and basically crawled in Harry's lap in an effort to get closer to his godson.
Remus smiled at the happy scene. Sirius was finally home.
