After Sirius had received custody of Harry according to the wizarding rules (although, he suspected, Dumbledore was far less happy with their decision than he was), he knew that he needed Remus to play a large role in the child's life. Perhaps not as a second parent-they both recognized that Remus lacked the confidence for that, and, besides, his lycanthropy meant he would be absent for at least three days each month-but as an uncle or surrogate godfather. Important, and certainly someone to love the boy, but not the father figure Sirius saw himself as becoming for this small child.

They had both spoken about this and understood what role each would take. Granted, the specifics might be a bit uncertain in the beginning, but they'd figure it out in time. This meant, as Sirius had pointed out more than once, that Remus live with them. The recent laws passed, in part, by Dolores Umbridge meant it was extremely difficult for his friend to find work, and Sirius wasn't sure his friend had even purchased new dress robes since James' death. James had taken care of all of Remus' monetary and housing needs before his death, and Sirius had invited him to live with him afterwards, all while keeping up with the rental payments on the house Remus had previously rented.

Just in case Remus needed a quiet place to get away.

Now, it came in handy, what with Harry living at Grimmauld Place. Sure, Remus could hole himself up in a room, but they both agreed it would be better if he was away from the premises for the first day or so.

On the first day, Sirius had felt confident enough to speak with him over a floo call in the kitchen as Harry napped on the couch in the sitting room.

After exchanging pleasantries, Sirius had gotten right to the point.

"You'll continue live with us, right, Moony?" Sirius had asked. "There's plenty of room, especially without Mum's portrait and Kreacher."

He had long since commanded the elf to destroy the portrait, which he had, and then sent him to work at Hogwarts indefinitely. The house was far more quiet without both beings, and far more easy to live in.

Remus had hesitated. "If you're sure."

"I am. It can be a trial run, if you like, but I will need your help with Harry. He's a great kid, but he's nearly terrified of me. You should have seen him at the diner. Like he was afraid I was going to beat him if he ate too much. At the same time, he's certainly underfed. I just hope we can avoid potions..." Sirius trailed off.

"We should take him to the healers at St. Mungo?" Remus had asked.

Well, suggested, but Sirius knew his friend well.

"Of course. Not for another week, at least. I'd rather Harry get used to us before we take him to the healers. I know they're far less unpleasant than the muggle doctors, but I'd like Harry settled in before surrounding him with strangers. Especially ones that will go poking around him with their wands," Sirius had explained. "Poor kid has enough to deal with."

He didn't tell Remus about the bruise on Harry's leg. At least, it had been the only one.

"I'm sure you're doing fine, Padfoot," Remus had smiled. "You were always great with him."

"Yeah, when he was a happy baby. He's dealt with the Dursleys since, and they're bloody horrible," Sirius had sighed.

"Don't let Harry hear you talk like that," Remus had cautioned.

"I know." Sirius had grinned. "Working on it, Moony."

They had decided that Remus would come over for lunch, and perhaps play a few games with Harry or read to him.

Take things slowly. Introduce people that way, too. Get him used to feeling safe in his new environment.

Show him that he was loved, because he certainly hadn't known that from his aunt and uncle.

Now, they rose from the bed, Sirius in his sleeping robes, and Harry wearing the new pair of pajamas Sirius had bought for him. He had purchased lots of clothes for the child, of the wizarding and muggle sort. Harry might not want to wear wizarding robes for awhile, or he might only want to wear them. Better, Sirius had thought, to have lots of options available for him to choose from when he arrived than to force him to go shopping immediately.

"Ready for breakfast?" he asked, as they vacated the bed. Sirius flicked his wand at the bed, and all of the blankets straightened out.

Harry watched in fascination, and Sirius laughed.

"That's so neat," the boy said in a hushed voice.

"That's magic. You'll be able to do that, too, once you're a bit older," Sirius said, simply. "So, are you hungry?"

Harry hesitated, just for a second, before nodding. They began to walk down the hallway, then downstairs.

"Well, let's find something to eat." Sirius considered. "How about porridge?"

"What's that?"

Sirius tried not to let his surprise show. "It's warm oats mixed in with milk and sugar. Some people put other things in it, like fruit. Raisins and the like. It's very good."

It was also very healthy, and filling. Given the size of the Dursleys (minus Petunia), he rather thought that they didn't eat much in the way of healthy foods.

"Okay."

Harry sounded rather dubious, but watched with interest as Sirius made it on the stove, and then scooped up two large portions into two bowls.

Sirius took a large bite from his bowl, and smiled widely. "It's good!"

Harry took a smaller bite, but smiled as he tasted it. "Yummy!"

They made short work of their servings, and when Sirius asked Harry if he wanted more, he nodded with enthusiasm.

"Can we have this again?" Harry asked, a bit shyly, as Sirius made short work of the dishes and utensils.

"Of course," Sirius answered, smiling down at him. "Now, would you like me to read you a story?"

Harry nodded, and they headed back to his room to choose from the picture books Sirius had bought him.

He was glad that he'd had held from the lady at the bookstore. When asked about Harry's interests, Sirius had simply shrugged, explaining that his godson would be coming to live with him, but he hadn't seen the boy since he was a baby. The lady had not pressed him with any further questions, but simply helped him fill a large cart with books that small children enjoy. Since Harry was almost five, she'd steered him away from board books, as those were meant for toddlers, and more towards the picture books. Sirius had selected a few chapter books, as well, for when Harry would be old enough to read and enjoy them.

Sirius had made a separate trip to a wizarding bookstore for small children, but muggles certainly had far more books for kids than the wizarding world.

Since Harry had liked "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," Sirius picked out a several more books by the same author. One of them was about a quiet cricket, and the other one was about a grouchy ladybug. Sirius read, with Harry curled up in his lap, until Remus arrived for lunch.

Next up: Remus reveals information that Sirius hadn't wanted Harry to know about for quite some time.

As always, reviews are very much appreciated.