The last few weeks of summer had been a bit different then the first month. Remus and Harry had decided they needed some time away, after Harry had finally broken down, and spent a week at one of the other Black homes. Harry had not realized between his two estates he had homes all over the UK, and some in Europe, and he and Remus had gone to stay at a small one in Ireland which Remus had remembered Sirius mentioning before. The news of his adoption had not hit the newspapers but they had been assured not only because of the will which allowed it, but because of Remus' hero status, it would not be a huge issue. Because it was Harry, there would be a lot of talk about it, especially the change in name, but Harry was used to talk. He was happy he finally had a family, well a dad, and when Tonks and his Dad married he would have her as a stepmom and not just a second cousin. He looked forward to when her and Remus tried for kids, wanting little sisters and brothers, knowing what an amazing dad Remus would be to other kids. The thought of calling Andromeda and Ted his grandparents was even growing on him.

They returned a week before school started, and though Harry still had things to sort out, the time had done him and Remus some real good. They had really talked about Sirius, but also about the abuse he suffered as a child and even about the betrayal of his friends. For the first time Harry had a family, someone to love and take care of him, and though reluctant at first to turn to Remus for he was mourning as well, the time in Ireland had helped that. Harry knew this school year would be different, even if he could not tell the world that he knew the truth about the lies, and he was grateful he would have his dad there with him at school.

Harry was surprised when they had to head to school a week before the summer was up, but he was reminded that his dad's job was still in question. Lucius had not wanted to raise too many eyebrows; he did not need Albus being suspicious at all. Of course Moody and Cornelius came in handy so Lucius' hands were not on it.

Albus tried to offer them a lemon drop as they entered and motioned them to sit. "I was surprised Remus when I received word you were appointed to teach."

Remus was reminded his son had been told by Albus he would try to hire him. "I know you usually choose the teacher but I was told Alastor recommended me."

The headmaster had known he would have to get the minister to approve, or he would be stuck with someone like Umbridge, but he had not expected this. He had never thought Fudge would ever recommend Remus, or even approve of it. The man had never been happy about half bloods, he seemed as bad as Dolores was, but things must have changed since the war had ended. He had been informed that Alastor could not spare an auror to come and teach for him, and Alastor had been asked by Cornelius and Amelia to make a suggestion instead and he had made Remus.

Albus was not surprised considering Tonks and Sirius before her had been Sirius' protégés and James had been once upon a time. Remus was of course important to all three, and that would help. But he had been desperate to limit the influence the man had on Harry and this would not help. He had been lying to Harry of court when he said he would try and hire Remus, wanting Harry as far away from the man as possible.

Albus looked back and forth. "Are you certain? I mean there is a lot of work for the Order we need you for still. I mean you can come and see your godson......"

Remus cut him off with a smile. "I guess you did not hear the good news, I have adopted Harry. And my son will believing with me here in the fall, not the dorms."

Remus had brought the new adoption papers and Albus was shocked to see it was the truth and more, the papers said Harry James Lupin on them. He could not believe this, this could not be happening, all of his hard work could not go up in smoke. It would have been hard enough to keep Harry in line with his friends till Albus got what he needed done, without having him under the constant eye of Remus. And now to hear Harry would be living with his so called dad and not in the dorm rooms, this could not happen, there had to be a way for him to stop it.

He looked at Harry. "It is procedure for students to live in the dorms Harry if you are school age. I am sure you would rather be with your friends anyways."

Harry shook his head. "Dad looked into it, and it is allowed for me to live with him. And after losing my godfather, I really want to be with my family even here."

Emphasis had been placed heavily on the word family and Albus watched Harry, knowing something was different. This was not the same boy he had here last year, something had definitely changed. He had known Remus would be a bad influence on Harry, but he had not thought Harry would be influenced so soon from the man. Though most people thought Remus was the reasonable and sensible marauder, Albus thought very different. Remus was too logical, he was always thinking, James had been the one who had been easy to control and depend on, and Sirius had not been too far behind him. Remus should have died in the ministry, damn him, Albus swore under his breath, why could he not have just died.

Remus motioned for his son to stand. "Tonks and her parents are expecting us for dinner. I will see you on the first Albus. I look forward to teaching here again."

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Harry wished he could tell the school the truth, and it hit home even more before he headed for school. He knew Draco and the snakes would have his back, they promised they were his friends, but for now they would have to do it in private. Harry may be living with his dad, but he would still be in Gryffindor this year. He had never wanted to re-sort as much as he did, and though his dad and the others hoped he could perhaps by next term, they could not be certain. They needed to find out what Albus had planned for Harry so they did not get blind sided. They knew the man was not one for taking no, and were scared he might become dangerous.

He was reminded again that Katie was still at school as well as Neville and Luna, and while there was still comfort in that, he was not happy as he headed to the train. Two weeks at the Burrow had been near torture for him, he could only imagine what months at school would be. He had once been best friends with them, but that was back before he knew they had faked it, and he knew he would have to continue to pretend.

Harry saw them coming his way and Tonks squeezed his arm and whispered. "Just remember your true friends Harry. And the few surprises the twins sent."

Hermione cut off his response as she came over. "Harry we have missed you so much. I heard you went to Ireland, it must have been nice to get away though."

Drawn away towards the red heads Harry sent one last look at Tonks, and as Molly was hugging him, shared a look with Draco. The Weasleys he was not surprised to find out knew he had been adopted. He wondered how quickly Albus had gone to tell them, needing to work out a new game plan on how to handle Harry and his new dad, for of course that would change everything. Harry was just grateful when Neville and Luna joined them in a train compartment.

Ron looked Harry up and down. "What is with the long hair? I men it is kind of cool you got some new clothes, but you're looking like the ferret."

Harry had given in to Pansy and let her grow out his hair, just to get her off his back. "Less of a tangled mess. Besides Siri had long hair in school too."

The reminder that it was more like his beloved godfather got Ron off of the topic of Draco. Lucius had actually suggested they would see about Harry and eye correction magical surgery next summer or even at Christmas depending how things went, but for now it was just the hair. Well externally that is, inside he had changed a lot and Luna shared a smile with him, reminding him of that. And like Tonks said, the twins had sent him a number of things with him for him to get some revenge.