Prompt given by my husband- AU Where everything is the same- except Remus is granted custody of Harry. I started this years ago, but I wasn't as strong a writer then, and this plot deserves better writing. Also Tiktok has me back in love with Remus and this idea, so here we are.
An Old Friend. That was the signature on the note which was left on Remus' door that early morning, when he had rushed to the door to answer the knocking and found no one to be there. The note had many, many odd, secret details of the way his life had been just three short years ago, and details about the way things where now that could not be allowed to continue on. Harry, who was supposed to be kept safe and happy, was being starved, mistreated and neglected by the people who were supposed to be family. Rather than loved at night, he was locked in a cupboard under the staircase in the front of his Aunt and Uncle's home. Remus knew of these people.
Petunia, Lily's older sister, was a bitter woman from the start. She was a bit plain, had once been pretty in her own right, but her heart made her ugly. At first jealous, once she was an adult She and her husband were repulsed by magic and all that were involved in it. It was no true surprise to Remus that these people had been wrong to Harry, but this fact made it no less acceptable. The werewolf loved this little boy, even though he hadn't been able to see him since shortly after his first birthday three years ago. He had been 'Uncle Moony' then, or more to tiny Harry's vocabulary 'Mooy'. That seemed like a lifetime ago. Rage, anger and hatred tore at his very soul. He was just a baby. Innocent.
This note also sited an address where Remus could go and make a claim for the boy. He didn't have much to his name- but he had more than enough room in his little cottage, and love for the boy. He could try his best for Harry- even in an aging cottage in the countryside, he would surely be happier than being abused in Surrey. There were dangers, he knew. Obstacles, such as the full moon, would have to be accounted for. But that was of little importance now, Remus knew if he'd only reach out to old friends, they would help if they could. What mattered was Harry's health and happiness now. He gathered his best clothes and pressed them, leaving quickly and apperating straight to the alley beside the building he was being sent to. It was an old, dreary muggle building, but upon seeing the front door Remus knew he was in the right place. In large, golden letters the doorway read 'Center of Child and Family Welfare'. Remus took a deep breath and looked upward, silently asking James and Lily for their permission and help to raise their little boy, and for any help they could provide from above.
The woman behind the counter was typing at a computer when he entered, and Remus was not quite sure what to do. He stood by and waited politely, until the older woman glanced up over her thick rimmed glasses and smiled. "Can I help you, young man?" She ask, her voice warm and welcoming. Remus felt a bit relaxed.
"I-er. I'm not sure what to say to start." Remus said, kicking at the floor. He had always been a well spoken, thoughtful young man, and even at twenty four he had always been very fluid with words. Now, however, that something as important as this was at stake, he lost his nerve. The woman seemed to understand, and gestured to a chair.
"Why don't you have a seat, and I'll send someone out to talk with you, alright?" She smiled again as Remus nodded and did as he was told. He watched her pick up a telephone and speak into it, then place it back on the receiver and go back to her typing. Remus was suddenly thankful his mother had brought him into the muggle world on many occasions and taught him of these things, else he would be even more lost. Time seemed to be dragging on, and Remus was aware of each and every tick the clock on the wall made as the second hand danced around the numbers. After about ten minutes, another kind looking older woman came through a door behind the receptionist and gestured for Remus. He stood quietly and followed her back through a hallway and into an office. It was furnished almost like a living room, with armchairs and a couch, and a few plants near a window.
"Why don't you have a seat and tell me what I can do to help." She said, settling into an arm chair herself. Remus nodded and took a deep breath before sitting down. "I'm Vivian Heartkip, a family justice worker."
"My name is Remus, ma'am. Remus Lupin." He said, sitting on the edge of the couch to her left. "I er- I had some friends, my best friends. They- They passed away and left their one year old son alone." He explained, trying his best to tell the story without having to bring magic into the conversation.
"I see." She said, tilting her head slightly as she listened.
"I haven't been allowed to see him, you see. Though his father was as good as my brother. Because his family he was placed with will not allow it." He continued. Vivian's face softened, but she shook her head.
"I'm afraid there isn't anything we can do about that, sweetheart." She said, obviously saddened for him. Remus sighed, but continued to speak.
"In normal circumstances, I'm sure. But I'm not here for that. I- I just need to find someone to help him. He's being mistreated. They abuse him. Don't feed him proper. Lock him in a cupboard at night." Remus said, his amber eyes holding Vivian's with a pleading stare.
"Those are some very serious accusations, Mr. Lupin. Can you tell me why you believe his family is mistreating him?" She ask, standing and walking over to a filing cabinet. Remus nodded. "How do you know?"
"A neighbor that knew me wrote me a letter. She wanted to be anonymous in this part... but wrote to me. She gave me the address for your office and suggested I come." He explained.
"The police will be involved, you understand?" Vivian ask. Remus nodded.
"Yes, ma'am. I'd hope so." He replied. "I just want it right, you know?" He rose and took the paperwork in her outstretched hand, beginning to fill in the report. "What are the chances I may get to raise him?" He ask, looking back at the woman with the same begging eyes. She thought for a moment.
"Well, we'd have to inspect your home. But if he has no other living family and you can provide proof of familial bond-" Remus smiled and nodded.
"I can. Thank you." He said, scribbling into the paper faster, filling every detail he knew in.
The whole process took much longer than Remus expected- clocking in at just under three months. He'd had time to write and floo around to old acquaintances and find someone who could help him look after Harry both while he worked and during the full moon cycle. He'd come to Molly and Arthur Weasley, whom he had met during the war and he knew had children around Harry's age. Molly was overjoyed when he'd turned up on her back porch, and even more when he'd explained the situation to her and Arthur. Both had been more than happy to offer any help they could.
Remus had also used this time to clean up and redecorate the bedroom down the hall from his. He was able to transfigure the bed into one with a canopy and charmed stars that would appear at dusk to float inside, glowing gently in the night. He painted the walls pale blue and trimmed them in white, and even managed to get a few toys for Harry. Molly had made a quilt for him, as well, with matching pillow covers. The finishing touch to the room, Remus decided, was a picture he had taken himself, of James and Lily holding newborn Harry in front of their home. It was taken with a muggle camera, the day he came home from the hospital. He had others to hang, but as they were magical and moved, he had to keep them away for the muggle inspection.
The inspection was a bit nerve rattling for Remus, as his home was old and a bit weather worn. He'd kept it the best he could, and the garden was extremely well loved and groomed, as it had been his mother's pride and joy. The workers who came made no comment on the faults of his home, but rather the warmth and preparation that had gone into it. It was the final step before going and removing Harry from his abusers.
As to not start an unnecessary scene, the family had simply been put under observation- but it didn't take long for them to notice how malnourished and tired young Harry looked in comparison to his cousin. Though it was too slow for Remus' liking, he kept his temper with the proper legal channels and was very excited to be in the back seat of the car with the social workers as they drove to Surrey. When they entered the community and made for the final stretch, a police car joined them, then a second. Remus held his breath.
He hung back as the police and social workers knocked at the door, showing paperwork and a warrent and pushing into the house past Petunia's very plump husband. Remus watched from the yard as they unlocked the tiny cupboard beneath the stairs just inside the front door, and a tiny boy stumbled out, blinking into the light as his eyes adjusted. Remus bit down on his tongue, feeling his teeth trying to grow as rage overtook him. He had to keep calm- this was almost over. Everything seemed to move so fast, and before Remus had time to tear his ever-studying eyes away from the tiny boy, he noticed that one of the workers had gathered Dudley as well, and both Petunia and Vernon were in handcuffs. He hadn't even realized this part, but it didn't matter. When they walked away with them to the car, Vivian stood by and let Remus kneel down on Harry's level.
"Hello, Harry." Remus said, his own voice betraying him with tears.
"'Lo" Harry returned, looking to his feet rather than meeting Remus' eyes.
"You may not remember me- in fact I know you probably don't." He said, searching his heart for the right thing to say. "I'm your Uncle Remus, Harry. I've come to take you home." Harry glanced up, meeting Remus' eyes for a brief second, but enough to cause the older wizard's breath to leave his lungs. He had grown to look so very much like James, with Lily's glowing, emerald eyes. Remus waited for a moment, but Harry stood stone still. Remus rose from the ground where he'd knelt and scooped the boy up, who at first flinched at the touch.
"You will need to come about every two weeks and give a report, and we can council you both." Vivian explained. "After the six month trial fostership we can go ahead with adoption if everything is working out." She explained. Remus nodded, only vaguely hearing her as Harry relaxed and laid his head on Remus' shoulder.
Nothing else seemed to matter now. Harry was safe in his arms, and tonight he would sleep in a bed all his own, his stomach full from supper and the first dessert he'd had in his young life. He was happy. He was home.
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Otherwise, I'll see you when the owl arrives July, 1991.