Chapter 5: Tantrums and Talks

As Harry sat around Number Four Privet Drive, he wondered how long "soon" was. July 7th was coming nearer and nearer. He hadn't heard from Sirius or Remus since his return to Privet Drive. He hadn't been doing much of anything since his arrival, minus a few chores like pulling the weeds. He was thankful for that though, because it helped him take his mind off things.

He considered giving Remus a call. He missed his werewolf friend. He knew Remus was busy getting things ready for Sirius' trial though. No, if Remus wanted to talk to him, he'd have to take the action himself. Harry wasn't going to wait around.

He was very eager for the trial, but worried as well. What if Sirius wasn't freed? What if he was given the Kiss? So many "what-ifs" were running through Harry's mind. He wasn't even sure what to believe anymore.

Yes, maybe he should give Remus a call. Maybe Remus would let him go to the trial. Harry was still a bit furious with Sirius for not letting him go, but he knew his godfather was only looking out for his best interests. Harry just wished he wasn't being treated like a child, that was all. He was almost sixteen now and had already faced Voldemort five times. Didn't that count for anything?

'Apparently not' his mind told him. It seemed as if everywhere he went he was treated like a child. People were constantly watching over him, trying to "protect" him. Then again, he guessed he did act childishly sometimes. It wasn't really mature of him to kick the nightstand back in the Hospital Wing, but he did it.

Harry finally decided he would go visit Remus. He stopped in front of Ms. Figg's door and knocked. He knew she'd be home. He was not disappointed, because as soon as he knocked, there was an answer. She invited Harry in and began to brew some tea.

"What brings you here, Harry?" she asked., sipping her tea.

Harry took a drink of his too, "I was hoping to speak with Remus."

"Oh!" Ms. Figg jumped up and grabbed some Floo Powder for Harry. "Go right ahead."

Harry thanked Ms. Figg and sat down in front of the fireplace. He shouted the address of his former professor and the flames lit up green. He tumbled out onto the wooden floors of Moony's cottage, shaking the soot off of his clothing. Remus was sitting at the table, looking rather worn. He jumped, and drew his wand at the sudden intrusion.

"Oh, it's just you, Harry… I thought maybe, well… it's not important. What brings you here?" he asked.

"Ms. Figg knows I'm here," Harry added quickly, for Remus had a concerned look on his face.

"Right… Well, sit down. I can make some tea, if you'd like."

Harry shook his head.

"Sirius?" Remus asked.

Harry only nodded at this.

"Look, if this is about the trial, Harry, Sirius already said no."

"But, Remus, if you said I could go-"

"I didn't."

"But can't you talk Sirius into it?"

Remus laughed, "It's nearly impossible to talk any reason into Sirius."

"But-"

"He's just looking out for you, Harry."

"But I can look out for myself!"

"After that stunt at the Ministry, I'm not so sure anymore, Harry."

Harry's face grew red at this, and he jumped out of his chair. "I'm going to that trial, Remus, and there is nothing you or Sirius can do to stop me."

"Harry-"

"No, Remus, I'm tired of being treated like a child! I'm fifteen!"

"Then act it," Remus said simply. "I find it hard to take you seriously when you're standing in my kitchen throwing a tantrum like a five year old. I daresay Sirius would agree."

Harry opened his mouth to say something to counter that, but no words came out. He knew Remus was right. He was acting like a child. He guessed Remus had every right to treat him as one.

"If you want to talk about things rationally, I'm listening."

"I'm sorry," Harry finally said, and he resumed his seat at the table. He buried his head in his arms, refusing to look Remus in the eyes. He guessed he looked a little pathetic, but he didn't care anymore.

"It's quite alright, Harry." Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder comfortingly. "I know you're just worried about Sirius, but you shouldn't be. All the evidence gathered supports him. And you know Dumbledore and I won't let the Wizengamot think otherwise."

Harry looked up and nodded. "But what if-"

"They find him guilty? If no one else, Harry, I promise you'll get to see him before he is sent to Azkaban again. Sirius would want it to be you, I know he would. You may not realize it, but he thinks very fondly of you."

"But I screwed up, Remus."

"And you think Sirius is perfect?" Remus had a glint in his eyes. "We spent half our time at Hogwarts in detention because of Padfoot! He was always causing some kind of trouble."

"But he almost died because of me."

"That's the way he would have liked to go, Harry, I can promise you that. He swore to your parents that he would look after you."

"I know, but-"

"We've all screwed up, Harry. Don't you think I felt like a real failure when I got bit by a werewolf? And Sirius, you know he feels like he let your parents down by switching Secret Keepers. The point is to not let it all get to you. We're very proud of you, Harry, Sirius and I. Don't ever think that one mistake will change all that."

Harry didn't say anything, and Remus took that opportunity to make the tea. He brought a cup for himself and Harry to the table. Harry took it into his hands thankfully. He looked up at Remus questioningly.

"I'll talk to Sirius," Remus said finally, "but I can't make any guarantees."

"Thanks… Moony."