Little Lion

6th of November, 1995.

Lord Malfoy was sitting in his private study when he heard an owl pecking on his window. He walked over to it and opened it up wondering who would be sending a letter to him at this time in the morning. Normally he could tell by the owl who it was from, but the beautiful snowy white owl that flew in and landed on his desk was not like any owl he knew. He reached out and removed the letter she was carrying before calling a house-elf. He told the little being that he wanted something for the snowy bird before he picked his letter knife up. In a precise motion, he opened the letter up. His eyes narrowed as he read the lines on the page.

It was from Kato Peverell. He had been in contact with his distant cousin and learned of some rather disturbing things. He would have to have a talk with his son that was clear. If there even was an ounce of truth in Potter's claims, and Kato must have thought there was, then Draco needed to be set straight. He was not allowed to act in such a way.

15th of November, 1995.

Harry sat down by the Gryffindor table. He tried to tell Angelina good morning, but instead, he roared like a lion. Angeline laughed. She tried saying sometime back and she roared too. Harry buried his face in his hands. He wanted to curse Fred and George, but this was too good.

He was glad that he hadn't entered the Great Hall that morning before going to St Mungo's. He hadn't noticed anything during Herbology so he guessed it didn't affect anyone during class. Hermione sat down next to him and roared. She sighed and focused on the food.

As they returned to herbology Harry could hear Slytherins hissing at each other. He placed a hand over his mouth. They were speaking parseltongue. He could understand them as they insulted each other. He was giggling as they settled down for class.

"Something you wish to share with the class, Mr. Potter," Professor Sprout asked.

"I…" Harry drew in a deep breath. "It is just that I can understand the Slytherins when they talk to each other outside of class," he said. He could see the mortified looks on some of the Slytherin student's faces. Most people had probably forgotten that he could talk to snakes.

"I see," Professor Sprout said. "Will you please let me teach the class?" she asked.

"Certainly Professor," Harry said. He pulled himself together and focused on the class.

…

Later that day Harry took Qozul out on a run. He had finally figured out how to break the spell that Fred and George had cast over them. He knew it would probably let up at dinnertime, but he wanted to go for a forest run.

Qozul was flying around happily. It had been a good day.

30th of November, 1995.

A soft beeping sound caught the attention of quite a few people at the Gryffindor table. It came and went. No one reacted or did anything. Harry and Hermione rose from the table together.

"What was that?" Hermione asked once they had left the hall.

"They need me at Mungos," Harry said.

"Alice?" Hermione asked.

"I won't know until I get there," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. "Go, I'll cover for as long as I can," she said.

"I'll try to send Winky if I have to stay for some reason," Harry said. He was already heading for the door. He needed to check what was going on. This was the first time he had been called during the day. He disapparated as he left the wards. He had glamoured into Kato as he walked across the lawn.

"Healer Peverell. Healer Brand wants you," a mediwitch told him as he walked through the halls of the hospital.

Kato nodded. Healer Brand wanting him meant she had a patient with complications. He hurried his steps and cast clairvoyance so he would find her easily.

"Ah, Peverell, good," Healer Brand said. "Come with me. We have a patient with eclampsia. She had pretty bad seizures so we have started the birth process. The baby will be premature. That in itself isn't a problem, but I am worried about the intensity of the seizures."

They walked into a room.

The mediwitch looked their way as they entered. Healer Brand pulled her away to talk to her.

"Hello," Kato said as he walked up to Lana Lupin. "I'm Healer Kato Peverell."

"Hello," Lana said. She looked like she was in pain.

"Would you like me to relieve some of that back pain?" Kato asked.

Lana nodded. "Could you?" she said.

"I can," Kato said. He sat down next to her. He helped her move so he could place his hands on her back. He rubbed up and down her spine slowly while soothing her aching back.

"You will be here?" Lana asked.

"I will. Unless that makes you uncomfortable," Kato said.

She shook her head. "No, I want you here," she said. She relaxed back against him as he ran his hands out over her stomach.

"Better?" Kato asked.

Lana nodded. The door opened and Remus came walking in with some food. He blinked in surprise. "Mr Peverell?" he said, confused.

"He is a Healer, love," Lana said. "He is here to help."

"Since this is a birth with complications I have asked Healer Peverell to join me," Healer Brand said.

"Is this because of me?" Remus asked.

Kato sighed. "Not everything is about you Mr Lupin," he said. "I'm here because Healer Brand wishes to have assistance for your wife's sake."

Remus looked properly abashed at his own behaviour before apologising to Lana. He had the decency to look ashamed. Kato let go of Lana and helped her back.

"How are the contractions coming along?" Healer Brand asked.

"They are certainly more frequent," Lana said.

"I will leave Kato here with you. I need to look in on some other patients," Healer Brand said. "Call me if you need me," she told Kato.

Kato moved away from the couple to give them some privacy. He threw up an illusion so he could call Winky.

"What does Master Kato want?" Winky asked.

"Can you tell Hermione that I was called in to help in the maternity ward? Neville's parents are fine," Kato said.

"Winky will let Miss Hermione know," Winky said.

"Please take Qozul with you," Kato handled the dragon over as he let the little guy know what was going on.

Winky popped off and Kato focused back on Lana. He dropped the illusion. She seemed to be doing alright for now. He left for only a moment to wash off and change his clothes. Lana looked to be in pain as he returned. Kato walked up and sat down next to the bed. "Would you like me to relieve the pain?" he asked.

"Please would you," Lana said.

Kato reached out and placed his hands on her back. He eased the pain. "How do you feel?" he asked.

"They are coming more often," Lana said.

"You should walk around a little and then we should get you changed," Kato said. He helped her up. She walked around holding onto Remus for a little bit before they changed her into a hospital gown.

"Do you want me to check how things are going or would you prefer that I call Healer Brand?" Kato asked.

Lana looked uncertain for a moment so Kato called for Healer Brand. It took her a little while to arrive. Kato moved to the side.

"You are ready to start pushing dear," Healer Brand said. "Next time you get a contraction push. Don't use all your strength. We want to take this slow."

Suddenly, Lana started convulsing. Kato reached out and grabbed her shoulders. He calmed her body down as best as he could. They got her settled back down and she pushed with the next contraction.

Kato moved between helping Healer Brand and aiding Lana. "You are doing great," he said calmly. "Breathe in slowly." He gave her his hand. "Don't worry about hurting me," he said.

Lana laughed. She took the hand.

"Do you want to move around and stand on your knees for a bit?" Healer brand asked. "It will help relieve some of that pressure you are feeling against your spine."

Lana nodded and Kato stood up to help her move. On her other side, Remus had stood up as well and Kato helped turn Lana towards her husband. She stayed that way for a while before they helped her back.

Kato reached out and placed his hand on Lana's back as she started screaming in pain. He cut her off from the pain somewhat so she could keep pushing.

"Slow down a little, dear," Healer Brand said.

"I don't know how," Lana gasped out as she kept doing what her body wanted her to do.

"It's alright," Healer Brand said.

Then she started looking concerned.

Kato moved to get towels for the baby.

Healer Brand caught the baby and handed them to Kato.

"Baby isn't breathing," Kato said. "Mr Lupin please come with me."

Remus looked down at Lana. "Go with him. Make sure our baby is okay," she said.

Remus followed Healer Peverell as they walked into a nearby room. Kato placed the baby down in a nest of heated blankets and placed two fingers on the small chest. He pulled fluid out carefully. The little one drew a breath and started screaming. Kato cleaned the cord and checked the baby over. Healing newborns was a little trickier than healing children. They took on the magic very well, but it was very easy to overcharge their cores and fracture them. "You have a little baby boy," he said. He measured and weighed the baby. "Sit down and take your shirt off. Skin-to-skin contact is good for the baby," he said as he put a little cap over the baby's head. He carried the baby over to Remus and placed him on Remus' chest skin to skin with a blanket to cover him. Kato sat down next to them. "I will go check on Lana in a little bit. I just want to see that this little one is alright first."

Remus looked down at his son in awe. He had never thought he would have a chance at a family. Now he was sitting with his son in his arms.

"Do you have a name for him?" Kato asked.

"Leoline Remus Lupin," Remus said.

"That's a nice name. Well, little Leoline you gave us quite the scare," Kato said. "How about you stay with your daddy and I'll go check on mommy." He stood up. "I'll be right back," he told Remus before leaving.

Remus looked down at the little human on his chest. He touched the little fingers and smiled. "I hope your mommy will be here soon," he said.

When the door opened next it wasn't Kato that entered. Healer Brand walked in. She smiled softly at father and son. She sat down next to them.

"How is Lana doing?" Remus asked.

"There is no good way to say this," Healer Brand said. "As we helped Lana through the afterbirth she had a seizure. I'm sorry Mr Lupin but your wife did not make it."

Remus didn't know what to say. He sat there with Leoline as mediwitches moved in and out of the room to check on his little boy. "What should we do, little guy?" he said as his son's blue eyes blinked open and looked up at him. "It's just you and me now," he said. He had gotten ten minutes of happiness before getting kicked in the gut. "Lana and I thought that maybe Harry would like to be guideparent but I don't know… I don't know if I want to burden him with our problems."

"You are not even going to ask what he thinks?" Kato asked, revealing that he had been listening for a little while.

Remus looked up at the healer who had saved his son. His eyes widened as the healer took his earrings out and his brown hair turned black. "I think I can decide for myself if I feel ready to take on that type of responsibility."

"Harry," Remus said both surprised and confused. "How?" He looked Harry over. There was no mistaking that this was Harry; he looked so much like his parents that it couldn't be anyone else.

"It is a long story," Harry said as he sat down next to Remus. "I can give you the short of it right now. A lot has happened over the years for me."

Remus listened as Harry told him about the adventures that he had been through. He wasn't sure what to say. Their cub had been through so much. He hadn't been there to help. He was glad that Harry had reached out after he got back. He looked down at Leoline. "You want to be his guideparent?" he asked.

"I would love to," Harry said.

Remus nodded slowly. "He needs something to eat," he said.

"I'll let one of the mediwitches know," Harry said. He put the earrings back on. "I really need to go back to Hogwarts. I still have classes tomorrow."

Remus blinked. "Why are you still attending?" he asked.

"Because I still want to learn," Harry said.

Remus smiled sadly. He was sure Lily would be so proud of her son. "Goodnight, Harry," he said.

"Goodnight Remus. I'll be back tomorrow after classes," Kato said. "And it is Kato when I look like this or it will get very messy."

Remus chuckled.

…

Hermione was still awake and sitting in the common room when Harry returned. "How did it go?" she asked.

Harry dropped into an armchair. "Lana didn't make it," he said. "Remus has a healthy baby boy named Leoline. He wasn't breathing when he was born so I took care of him and things went badly with Lana. If I had been there, she might still be alive."

Hermione caught up to what he had said. "You were there for Lana and Remus?" she asked. "That's so sad… but you can't blame yourself. Their son might have died if you hadn't taken care of him. What happened to Lana isn't your fault."

"I know," Harry said. "I had a bad feeling though."

"You couldn't possibly know that Lana would die in childbirth back then," Hermione said.

Harry buried his face in his hands. "I know," he said.

"We should go to bed," Hermione said. "I'm assuming you are heading back tomorrow."

"I will," Harry said.

"Then off to bed with you," Hermione ordered him. "You need to sleep."

1st of December, 1995.

Kato walked into Leoline's hospital room. The little boy was lying in his bed. Remus was nowhere to be seen, but it looked like he had been in the room just a moment ago. Kato smiled down at Leoline. "Hey little guy," he said. "How are you doing?" He checked the boy over quickly before just sitting down next to him.

"You can hold him," Remus said as he walked into the room.

Kato smiled. He stood up and reached down to pick Leoline out of his bed.

"Now that you are here. Could I go home and get some of Leoline's things and a change of clothes?" Remus asked.

"Of course," Kato said. I'm not here on business today. You can even take a nap if you need one."

"I'll consider it," Remus said. He looked tired, but there was something in his eyes that made Kato wonder if he could sleep.

Remus left and Kato settled down with Leoline. He started telling stories just to speak. He knew Leoline couldn't understand him, but he couldn't just sit there, and it was good for babies to hear people speak.

Remus returned an hour or so later. He was antsy.

"Would you like to go and see Alice?" Kato asked.

"Longbottom?" Remus asked. "Is that alright? Can we bring Leoline?"

"It shouldn't be a problem," Kato said. He placed Leoline back into his bed and activated the magic in it so it rose in the air next to him. "Come with me," he said. They walked through the hospital up to the long-term ward.

"Hello, Alice," Kato said. "How are you doing?"

"I've been drawing," Alice said. She held out a picture. It was crude, but you could clearly see that she had tried to draw Kato.

"That looks lovely, Alice," Kato said. He introduced Remus and little Leoline.

"He's so cute," Alice said as she looked at the baby. "Can you tell me a story?" she asked. "I'm out of books again."

Kato smiled. "I'll see what I can do about that," he said. "Have you heard the story of Naya the Listener?" he asked.

Alice shook her head.

"This story begins in a bustling city. Under the streets deep in the underground den of the Brotherhood. Naya's parents were both members of the Brotherhood. Her mother was shrouded in silence and her father spoke the truths of their people. Naya was different. Naya listened. She listened to the breath of the Mother."

Remus found himself caught in the story just as much as Alice. Harry was a good storyteller. "Naya is real, isn't she?" he asked as they walked back to Leoline's room.

"Naya was my Master in the arts of healing and illusion," Kato said. "The real story is sadder than the one I told Alice. Her father died trying to protect her and she spent most of her life scared of what her mother would think if she ever found out. The brotherhood is a guild of assassins."

"I'm glad you didn't tell Alice that," Remus said.

"I do have some tact, Remus," Kato said. He called for Winky and asked her to make them some food then he forced Remus to bed. "You will sleep and I will make sure that Leoline is alright," he said.

"What about your homework?" Remus asked.

"I can ask Winky to bring the things I need to work on," Kato said. "Don't you worry. I have been juggling a lot of things for over a year now. It keeps me occupied."

Remus tried to argue, but Kato wouldn't let him. He calmed Remus until he fell asleep. Kato sighed. He didn't like using his powers that way, but Remus needed sleep. "We have to make sure that your daddy takes care of himself too, right buddy," he told Leoline.

Kato did as he had told Remus and finished quite a lot of his current workload before feeding Leoline and settling down to sleep some himself.

…

Harry spent quite a lot of time with Remus and Leoline until they left for home. After that, he would come by every other day just to check on them. He often stayed on Friday nights to give Remus a bit of rest.

15th of December, 1995.

Fred and George had noticed that Harry's mood had been down the past few weeks. They decided to try to lift everyone's spirits a little right before the breaks. The last prank before everyone went home.

Harry and Hermione walked together into the Great Hall. Hermione sighed heavily. She looked down. "I guess I'll at least know what I would look like as a boy after this," she said.

Harry chuckled as she looked at Hermione. "It isn't bad," she said. "At least it is hitting everyone."

Hermione looked around. Harry was right. It took her a little while to recognise some people, but once she had gotten her bearing she didn't actually care anymore. They sat down by the Gryffindor table and filled their breakfast bowls.

Hedwig came flying in with the other owls.

"Hey girl," Harry said as she took the letter she carried. Have you had a good flight?"

Hedwig hooted and nicked some bacon from her owner. She took off flying again so she could get some sleep.

Dear Raiden,

I will start by saying I'm sorry I haven't

written earlier. I miss that short burst of

friendship we had.

You know I considered destroying the

bracelet you gave me, but I couldn't.

It has been very helpful to me. I hope

it isn't too late to be your friend.

I met a guy a few months ago and he is

amazing. We have been going out and

I think I have found a kindred spirit to

spend the rest of my life with.

I hope you are doing well.

Hopefully your friend,

Dora

Harry smiled softly. He would need to respond to her. He was glad she had found someone. She certainly deserved to be happy. He placed the letter down and continued eating.

...

Harry walked into Remus' house later that day. Leoline was screaming and Harry could tell how tired Remus was before he even saw him. "Give me Leo and get some sleep," he said as he walked into the living room.

Remus shook his head as he handed the screaming boy over. Leoline rolled and grabbed one of Harry's fingers before falling asleep.

"I can't sleep here," Remus said. "I keep waking up with nightmares and I wake him up and…" He sighed.

"Would you like to stay at my place for a bit?" Harry asked.

Remus looked surprised. He hadn't expected the offer and he didn't know Harry had a place to live. "I couldn't push you out of your own home," he said.

"I have eight bedrooms. You can stay in the family quarters or you can take over the guest quarters it doesn't really matter to me," Harry said. "Winky." He smiled as the little elf showed up. "Could you show Remus the house? I seem to have become a bed for now and we don't want to wake him."

"Master Harry be right, little Leo needs sleep. Winky will show Moony around," Winky said. She took Remus' hand and the two of them disappeared.

Harry walked around once they had left. Nothing had changed. The house looked mostly the same as it had when he visited at the start of summer. Lana was gone. He had attended her funeral with Remus. It would be better for Remus to spend time away from here. Everything had to remind him of Lana. Harry started packing Leoline's clothes as he moved the little boy around to keep him sleeping. He was fairly certain that Remus would take him up on his offer. He heard the pop as Winky returned. "Winky will do this," she said.

"Of course," Harry agreed. He walked out to the kitchen carrying Leoline with him.

"You have a beautiful home," Remus said.

"I really mean it. Come stay there. Winky would love to have someone to care for," Harry said. "You need to get away from here, but coming to stay with me means you don't have to sell this place right now, and I'll be home for Christmas."

Remus smiled. "I thought I was supposed to be the adult," he said.

"I'm twenty-one and I have commanded men in battle," Harry said. "I don't need you to be the adult. I want a friend. Friends help each other out as best as they can. I have a huge house and you could use somewhere else to stay for a while. Come stay with me until you know what you want to do."

Remus sighed tiredly. "Thank you," he said.

Harry placed Leoline down in his crib. It would be better if Winky moved him. House-elf teleportation was much gentler than apparating. Once Winky had unpacked everything despite Remus' attempts to convince her he could do it, Harry sent Remus off to bed. Winky had quickly decided to place Remus and Leoline in the family quarters. She thought that was the best place to have them. Leoline woke up and Harry gave him a bottle. Then he sat down on the floor with Leoline on a blanket in front of him. He had his guitar out and played softly for them. His nose scrunched. "Have you made a mess huh?" he asked. He placed his guitar down and lifted Leoline up. He walked into the bathroom and changed Leoline's diaper before returning to the living room.

"Does Master Harry want his Winky to make dinner for him and Moony?" Winky asked.

"Yes please," Harry said. "Though we'll let Remus sleep until he wakes up. He needs it. I'm expecting you to make sure he eats at least lunch and dinner every day."

"Winky will," Winky said.

"And give him nights off if you can," Harry said. "If you can calm Leoline during the night let Remus sleep, but please make sure that you get to sleep as much as you need to."

Winky nodded so her ears flopped around. "Winky will remember to take care of herself too," she said. She popped away to start on dinner. She was so happy to be working for Harry now. He was so nice and caring. She looked through what food she had at home. She needed to go shopping if she was actually going to have someone at home to feed for a while. She grabbed her bag of gold and headed to the market.

Harry was singing as Remus made his way out of his bedroom. He couldn't understand the words but the song was very sad. He sat down in an armchair and listened. Eventually, Harry switched language to English. He moved back to the start of the song and sang it all over again.

"I think Leoline likes your voice," Remus said.

"He likes your voice too," Harry said.

"I don't sing," Remus said.

"No but you read to him and he likes that," Harry said. "Don't compare yourself to me. You are his father. That's who you need to be to him, but you need to figure out how."

Remus nodded slowly. He watched his son reach towards Harry.

"What do you want, little guy?" Harry asked. He placed his guitar to the side and crawled over to Leoline. "Well, Leo what are you up to?" he asked. He lifted him up. "Should we go downstairs and make sure daddy gets something to eat?"

"You are going to gang up against me aren't you," Remus said.

"Maybe. If we have to," Harry said.

Remus laughed. He guessed he might have to stay on his toes.