Chapter 14

As Harry stepped into Sam's office he was pulled into the arms of his godfather. Harry didn't hesitate to reciprocate the hug, and, above Harry's head, Sirius smiled. Once released from Sirius' embrace, Harry found himself in another bear hug. Remus held him close and Harry sighed. It felt good to be in the arms of the people who loved him, but he knew they had a lot to talk about. With a small, reminiscent smile, Remus pulled back and settled himself onto the couch next to Sirius. Harry sat on the lone armchair, and Sam took his usual seat. Sam surveyed the people in his office before speaking.

"Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, I have asked you both here today because Harry has some things to say. Harry?"

Harry tried to swallow the lump rising in his throat as Sam gestured to him to begin. His heart pounded in fear, and sweat dotted his forehead. Harry sent a pleading look over to Sam, who merely gave a slight shake of his head and gave him a reassuring smile. Taking a deep, calming breath, Harry looked to Sirius and Remus.

"Um, I guess I want to start by just saying that I love you both very much. I know that these past couple of months have been hard on all of us. I miss my parents so much, but I know they made the right choice by choosing for you guys to be my guardians. I guess I just feel as if something is wrong. You both have changed so much since their deaths. I know you guys are doing your best to raise a teenager when you have no prior experience, but I feel like you guys feel like you have to take their place. What I'm trying to say is, I know there's a lot more responsibility on your shoulders now, but I want things as close to how they used to be as possible. I already have parents, what I need from you, Sirius and Remus, is friendship and a sense of family. I don't want you to feel like you have to become my second set of parents."

Harry brushed away a tear that had slipped from his eye at the end of his speech. He watched the emotion flit across Remus and Sirius' faces. Harry was scared of their reactions. What if they hated him now?

Remus sucked in some air before speaking, "Harry, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much I was hurting you. I just wanted you to feel like you were loved no matter what. I wanted to do right by Lily and James and protect their son. Maybe I went too far."

"We love you very much, kiddo. Remus and I just wanted to do the best we could. Your parents were our best friends, we didn't think twice about taking in their son. You mean so much to us, with what little knowledge we have at raising a teenager, we tried to replace what you had lost. We know now that was wrong."

Harry smiled slightly at them, "I know you guys are doing your best, but I need you to be who you were before, just with a little more authority. I want the crazy banter in the mornings and the insane trips we used to take. Once my parents died that stopped. I guess it just felt like I was losing everyone I loved because you were so different from the guys I always knew."

Sirius stood, walked over to Harry, and knelt before him, "you will never lose us. Remus and I are here to stay. Through thick and thin. We promise to work on going back to how things used to be, but you have to promise that you'll get better. We miss your scrawny ass around the house. It just isn't the same without you, Harry."

Harry launched himself at Sirius and wrapped his arms tightly around the man's neck as he wept. He cried for his parents, himself, and the other people that were affected by his illness. Yes, he would get better. Harry knew with the help of Sirius and Remus things would be better. Their lives were going to change. Remus joined the two of them at some point, and soon all of them were in tears. Sam smiled from his spot in his chair. This was excellent progress for his favorite patient. He was finally certain that Harry would soon be discharged from Luther's. He cleared his throat lightly and the trio broke apart.

"Harry, I'm so proud of you. This was by far your best session. I have absolutely no doubt you will be out of here soon if you keep this kind of progress up, but I am sorry to say that the hour is up. It's time for Sirius and Remus to leave, and for you to return to your room."

Harry nodded and bid his guardians goodbye. Sam escorted him back to his room. As Harry settled himself onto his bed he pulled out the book Sam had let him borrow. Within moments he was fast asleep without the aid of his sleeping meds for the first time since he was admitted to Luther's.