Thank you to everyone who is reading my story! This is my second ever fanfiction story and my first Harry Potter. I don't have anyone else reading it before I post it, so I hope I edit the chapters well.
Disclaimer- J.K Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter stories. I only enjoy playing in what ifs...
The two families continued to get close and there were several overnights for the children at both houses. In January of the following year plans to go to a zoo had to be canceled because Hermione had been hurt at school. Harry had insisted they go to the Grangers to see how she was and so Hanbey, as a human, and Harry knocked on the Granger's door that evening.
"How is Hermione?" Harry asked as soon as the door was opened.
"Manners!" Hanbey said.
"I'm sorry, hello Mrs. Granger, could I please see Hermione?" Harry asked.
Emma opened the door to allow them access. She knew the two children were too attached to do anything else.
"Hermione!" Harry said, kneeling by the couch she was laying on with an icepack on her face. "What happened?" He asked.
"Hi Harry, bullies happened." She said and pulled the ice pack away from her face to show the black eye and swollen cheek.
"Was it at school?" Harry asked
"Yes, on the playground. Boys!" She said in anger then looked at Harry, "Not you." She said and held his hand.
Harry looked over and Hanbey. "Could you please ask?" Harry asked.
Hanbey nodded. "Dan and Emma, could we talk?" Hanbey asked and the parents walked to the kitchen.
"What's up?" Dan asked.
"Harry and I have talked, and I've talked to the other Potter elves. We wanted to ask you to consider having Hermione homeschooled with Harry." Henbey said.
Emma smiled and looked at Dan who was looking at her. "We've been talking about asking you the same thing. We can pay you, of course." Dan said.
"There will be no payment needed, really. You do have to register her as homeschooled and buy her grade year books, Harry is three grade years ahead of her, we have his old books but they might have been updated." Hanbey said.
"Harry is younger than Hermione, if you had to sell it, that would do it!" Emma said, and laughed a bit.
The parents, since Hanbey was really a parent to Harry, walked back to the living room.
"Hanbey, could you try?" Harry asked and looked at Hermione.
Dan and Emma looked at Hanbey.
"Elves have some healing power and I might be able to heal Hermione." He said.
"Yes please." Hermione said, sitting up.
Dan and Emma were looking at each other and they nodded. "Please." Emma said.
"I can't do it here, magic is probably traced at your house. I can apparate you to our house, elf apparition is not traced and magic is not traced there." Hanbey said.
"That would be fine, we have been wanting to try it, and I remember you said it might be nauseating the first few times." Dan said.
Hanbey called for Mairy to come and the elves apparated the four humans to the Potter house just outside of Hampstead.
"Wow. I just have to wait until my brain catches up." Hermione said and sat where she was standing.
Harry was used to this method of travel and it affected him very little. The three Grangers were nauseous though.
After their stomachs settled down they sat at the table and Hanbey healed Hermione's eye and cheek.
"Wow! Thank you!" She said excitedly, "It doesn't hurt anymore." She said and hugged the little elf.
He smiled and patted her back.
"Thanks, Hanbey." Dan said and held out his hand for the elf to shake.
"Can we sit?" Emma asked and looked to Hanbey. At his nod she continued, "We have something else to talk about." Emma said smiling. She knew how excited her daughter would be about their news.
Hermione sat back down, looking wary.
"We've talked with Hanbey and we decided to have you homeschooled with Harry." Dan said.
Hermione was out of her chair shrieking and jumping up and down with happiness. Harry had joined her.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Hermione said to her parents and the elf.
"There are some rules though." Dan said and Hermione nodded seriously. Dan looked to Hanbey.
"We start promptly at 9am. I will assign Mairy to come get you at 8:50am and we expect you to be ready. Lessons go until noon, then we stop for an hour for lunch and free time. Lessons start again at 1pm and go until 4pm then you have a half hour break for a snack and free time. Lessons start again at 4:30 and go until 6pm. I know that is later than normal school so if you need to go home earlier that is fine." Hanbey said and Hermione looked to her parents while she was shaking her head no.
"Six should usually be fine Hanbey, if something comes up we'll let you know." Dan said.
"Harry is being hidden from the magical world, so if lessons come up that we need someone else to teach we usually hire them to make a video and show Harry the video, we'll continue doing the same for you." Hanbey said and Hermione nodded. Harry had already told her about his parent's will and the possibility of having to move in with someone else, and how he was basically in hiding.
"Harry is three grade years ahead of you so you won't be doing the same things." Hanbey said and Hermione threw a glance in Harry's way. He shrugged.
"He used to have lessons seven days a week, but we stopped that a year ago. Regular lessons are Monday to Friday and on Saturdays we teach Harry magical things, and you won't need to do that. Sundays are free." Hanbey said.
Hermione looked to her parents, practically begging. "Could I be taught magical things too? Please?' Hermione asked.
"Hermione can see if my Mom's wand works for her since I just use my Dad's." Harry said.
"That would work if your parents allow it, but since you can't get a wand of your own yet you could try mistress Lily's wand to see if it will work for you." Hanbey said. "But we have to do that at Potter manor. We don't want to perform too much magic at the house, the ministry might be alerted to wand magic at a house where non magical people are supposed to be living." Hanbey said.
"That would be fine, could we see Potter manor first?" Emma asked.
"Of course, we would need to apparate you there, it would take hours to drive." Hanbey said.
"Maybe tomorrow? I don't know if I could do that again today." Dan said and held his stomach.
"Of course." Hanbey said.
"Should I know anything else for school? How soon can I start?"Hermione asked.
Dan smiled. "We'll need a few days to get your new books and get you registered for homeschool. Would Monday be alright?" Dan asked and looked at Hanbey.
"Monday would be fine. How about Saturday to see Potter manor?" Henbey asked.
"Sounds good." Emma said.
A ten year old Hermione Granger was registered for homeschool with nine year old Harry Potter, and she couldn't be more excited. Saturday the Grangers visited Potter manor and they were impressed with the house. Harry performed the simple spells he had been taught; how to light the end of the wand and turn it off, how to make things float, how to wash dishes magically, and how to reheat something. He was also working on a basic shield but he wasn't quite there yet so he didn't demonstrate that one. Harry was very proud and Hermione was clapping for him.
Hermione held Lily Potter's wand and wind blew through the room.
"What does that mean?" Hermione asked.
"That means it should work fine for you." A smiling Harry explained.
Hermione smiled. Then she thought about how this wand belonged to Harry's Mother. "Harry, are you sure you don't mind me using it? It belonged to your Mother." She said.
Harry walked over to Hermione and wrapped his hand around hers that was holding the wand. "I don't mind, really. I'm glad it works for you." Harry said and smiled at Hermione to assure her that it was alright.
The group ate lunch and most of the elves sat at the table to eat. Elves sitting with humans was not a thing that happened in most magical houses, but it did at Potter manor.
Harry added the Grangers names to the wards, so that in case they ever came by themselves they could get past the wards. The explanation of wards was a long one but the Grangers understood.
Monday morning a dressed Hermione Granger was sitting in her living room at 8am. Her new books, notebooks and supplies had been packed the previous day. Her parents came down together, after looking for her in her room.
"Good morning princess." Dan said and he came to her side to kiss her cheek.
"Good morning Mom, Dad." She said as she kissed their cheeks.
"Excited?" Emma asked as she saw her daughter already dressed and looking antsy.
"Very." Hermione said and smiled.
They ate breakfast and Hermione and her parents went over everything that she should take again and checked to make sure it was packed.
"I wonder if Mairy could-" Hermione was saying but with the mention of the elf's name she popped right next to Hermione.
"Everything alright?" Mairy asked, looking around. The Potter elves had been on the lookout for danger for ten years and were prepared.
"Good morning Mairy," Dan said, "Hermione was just anxious and wondering if she could go to school early." Dan said, almost laughing.
"Good morning Mairy, could I start early?" Hermione asked.
Mairy smiled. "Of course, do you have your things?" She asked.
Hermione almost ran to get her bookbag and the bag with her new school books in them.
"Thank you Mairy, we appreciate it. She is very excited." Emma said.
"A child who wants to learn is a beautiful thing." Mairy said and smiled. Hermione practically dragged the bags back to the kitchen.
"I'll take those dear." Mairy said and picked up the two bags like they weighed nothing. Dan gaped after Mairy picked up the bags.
Hermione hugged and kissed her parents and thanked them again for letting her be homeschooled.
Mairy took Hermione's hand and with a pop they were gone.
Hermione needed a few minutes to, "Let my brain catch up to my body" as she put it. Mairy took Hermione to the classroom, as the elfs now called it since that was what Hermione called the room, and got her settled in her new desk.
Hermione was very pleased with her brand new white desk that sat next to Harry's. The first lesson was protection and a single hair of her's was added to the new bookcase in the corner to allow her access. The book case opened to give access to Potter manor should anything happen. They also planned to add her parents to it so they could get to Potter manor easier since apparition made them so nauseous.
Harry started with math that morning while the elfs went over what Hermione already knew. The elves quickly learned that she was intelligent and thrived with the one on one attention she got with them.
When her parents got there a little after six she was eating with Harry, Hanbey and Mairy as they sat and talked about their day. A hair from each parent was added to the new bookcase and they marveled at the magic that let them access Potter manor so easily.
Time passed, as it is want to do, and by the time Hermione received her Hogwarts visit on her eleventh birthday Hermione was a grade year ahead and Harry was still three grade years ahead in school. Homeschooling had helped Hermione and having her there helped Harry.
In their visit the Grangers did well in acting, their surprise that their daughter was magic was believed by Professor McGonagall. When it was time for her trip to Diagon Alley Hermione acted like it was her first, when she had been here many times with Harry and the Potter elves.
Hermione would have to wait almost a whole year to start Hogwarts, but she was fine with the waiting. She was homeschooled with Harry now and didn't have to deal with bullies. She also knew Harry wouldn't be eleven until July of next year so he wouldn't be able to start until then. Hermione didn't want to go to Hogwarts without Harry.
It was a random Thursday that had Hermione and Harry talking at lunch break. Since the children were so far ahead in their regular studies the elves had bought more books and started teaching them more about magic and the magical world. It was a small bit of information they had learned that morning that had both of the children thinking and talking.
"I know it's risky Harry, but it might be time to get your parents will read. If you don't, there is no way to lose Albus Dumbledore as your magical guardian." Hermione said logically.
"I know, and if he can leave a baby on a doorstep what other dangerous things might he do? And what if you get him too? You're right. I'll talk to Hanbey today." Harry said.
"Let me know how the will goes." Hermione said and ate another grape.
"Wait, why can't you be there?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked thoughtful. "I thought they were just for family." She said.
"I'll talk to Hanbey and we'll find out." Harry said.
That day at 4:30pm, instead of going back to their lessons they took a trip to Gringotts. Hermione went with them and met the Potter account goblin with respect and Norack smiled.
A reading of James and Lily's will was scheduled for that Saturday at noon and Norack went over the people he thought should be there.
"Sir, why would you suggest the head of the magical law enforcement department?" Hanbey asked, a little suspicious of the goblin.
"Since the answer to that question is in the will I can't really answer it. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with how Harry was raised, and it will paint you in a good light." Norack said.
"If you don't mind a question sir, is there any reason the Potter elves would be in any trouble for how Harry was raised?" Hermione asked.
Norack looked at the young witch and smiled. She was asking the right questions. "There is nothing in the will, and no law that the Potter elves could not have raised Harry." He said and looked back to Hanbey.
"I would like you and your party to get here at 11. Since no one will know what will they are going to be hearing, we are going to try to keep Harry a secret as long as we can. If you get here at 11, we will put you in a different room to wait." Norach explained.
"Thank you, we will be here at 11am Master Norack, I appreciate it." Hanbey said.
Saturday morning
10:45am Potter manor
"Thank you so much for breakfast." Emma said.
"Yes Toney, that was wonderful." Dan said.
The little elf smiled wide at their praise.
The Granger family, Harry, Hanbey and Mairy were all dressed in their best. There was an air of nervousness but they were ready.
11:00 am Gringotts bank
Once the group was all there they were taken into a small room with Norack and refreshments were provided.
Norack waved his arm and one wall became see-through. The next room was a meeting room with long tables and lots of chairs.
"That's the room where we'll read the will, and we can see who shows up and how they act." Norack said with a smile that showed lots of pointed teeth. Harry made a mental note to never get on the bad side of Goblins.
Slowly the room began to fill up with people. Harry saw a boy Norack told him was called Neville Longbottom. The woman who is in charge of magical law enforcement was surprisingly young looking.
"That's Albus Dumbledore." Norack said.
Hermione took Harry's hand and smiled at him. They watched the tall man with the long white beard walk through the crowds.
"Do you know what they are talking about?" Hermione asked Norack.
"Albus keeps asking if anyone knows whose will is being read." Norack said and he laughed a little.
10:59am Will reading room at Gringotts
Harry, Hermione, Dan and Emma Granger, Hanbey, Mairy and Norack entered the room. It was quiet for a minute as no one knew the assembled group.
Norack pointed the little group to a table in front of the room and they sat. Norack went to the head of the room.
"Thank you to everyone for coming today. My name is Norack and I am the Potter family account manager, here to read-." He barely said before there was an interruption.
"Why is this a will reading for the Potter family?" Albus asked.
Harry stood up and faced the room, still holding Hermione's hand. "I'm Harry Potter and this is a reading of my parent's will." He said. Before he could sit down Albus was moving forward.
"Harry! Harry, stop this at once." Albus said, trying to get to Harry.
"Why should it be stopped? If the wills haven't already been read they should be as soon as possible." Amelia said. She was the head of the magical law enforcement for all the right reasons.
"Take your seat." Norack said, standing between Albus and Harry.
Albus looked at the Goblin, and though it seemed he thought about doing something else, he took a seat.
No one else said a word, so Norack started the reading.
The beginning was the normal- being of sound mind- and such. When his parent's full names were read out loud Harry squeezed Hermione's hand and she squeezed back.
There were provisions that if either of his parents died before the other the surviving partner inherited everything. Then there was a line that surprised Harry,
"On Harry's eleventh birthday, if both Lily and James are dead it is our wish that he take up his title of Lord Potter. It is his choice but it is our wish that his proxy in the wizengamot be either of his Godparents."
Lord? Godparents? Harry and Hermione both had learned of Lords and Ladies of the magical world but Harry didn't realize he would be one.
Albus Dumbledore had started to sweat after the names of the will had been read. Harry was sitting in the front row with a girl and a family. He hadn't known where Harry was for years, and finding him this way was not desirable. His plans for Harry had been well thought out, even if they had come about quickly and he thought about what a shame it was that the Dursleys had made such a terrible mistake and mucked everything up.
He'd been afraid Harry might be with a wizarding family for years now and had continued to make visits to families to see if Harry was there. It had taken a lot of time but he had wanted to avoid this moment from happening very much.
He'd been afraid the wills might be read for years now and done all he could to stop it from happening. Albus was afraid of his plan for the greater good crumbling even worse. He'd tried to object to it being read and he'd tried using magic but the goblins had something going on in the room to make even his wand useless.
Harry had multiple surprises already in the will, but the surprises continued.
We leave the running of the Potter businesses in Account Manager Norack's hands, or his replacement, until Harry makes any further decisions. All contracts stand, with a one percent increase in fees for Norack every year. We leave the maintenance and upkeep of the Potter properties in Account Manager Norack's hands, or his replacement until Harry makes further decisions.
We make three provisions here. First, that Harry be magically emancipated at the age of eleven so that he may make choices for himself.
Second, for the lump sum of one hundred thousand galleons be made to Remus Lupin upon each or both of our deaths, then twenty five thousand galleons yearly every year until his death.
Harry heard a gasp behind him but he didn't look-
Third, if we should die and leave Harry, that he be placed with the below people. Since it is war we have made a list of five, and if the first person is unable to take Harry please move to the next name.
Sirius Black, Harry's Godfather by right of the Godfather ritual.
Alice Longbottom, Harry's Godmother by right of the Godmother ritual
Remus Lupin, a dear and trusted friend. Remus, if you have problems just leave the country, transfer the money, take Harry and go, travel, have fun, we support you.
Pandora and Xenophilius Lovegood, our friends and people we trust, we know you will teach our Harry much
Thalia Stormcloud, we know you will show our Harry the right way of things, as you showed us
If all of the people on this list are not available then we trust Kingsley Shacklebolt to either take and raise Harry or find a good family that will teach him in the light. Kingsley, we know you work a lot so don't feel beholden, just find Harry a good family. Everyone likely already knows this but in no situation should Harry be placed with Lily's sister Petunia Dursley nee Evans and her family.
We make no provision for Peter Pettigrew. Since he is our secret keeper if we are dead it might as well be at his hand. If we make it through the current times we will change our will. If Peter has betrayed us everyone should know Peter is an animagus and turns into a rat.
We hope this will be read after many changes and we have gray hair and our knees have felt grandchildren. In the event it must be read sooner, Harry, remember we love you.
Signed by James Potter and Lily Potter
Witnessed by Albus Dumbledore, Sirius Black and Alice Longbottom
There was a long pause.
"Why wasn't this will read sooner?" Amelia asked loudly.
"Madam Bones, the will was sealed by Albus Dumbledore in the Ministry of magic. Harry had to be the one to request it be read and when he did this was arranged." Norack said.
"Amelia, just listen," Dumbledore started.
"No, no listening. You signed the will, you had to know Peter was the secret keeper." Amelia said.
Harry and Hermione were looking at each other, a little lost at what was being talked about.
"When I made the fidelius charm it was Sirius, it must have slipped my mind." Dumbledore said.
"It was in the will! Sirius Black is innocent! He completed the Godfather ritual and couldn't have done anything to hurt James, Lily and Harry. Peter was the secret keeper. You knew this and sealed the will Dumbledore!" Amelia practically yelled.
She went to the door and Norack allowed her to open it. She had done her part, Norack just needed her to listen and do what she did best - see the injustice. As Norack had guessed, she didn't leave, but came in with two Aurors.
"Amelia, we can talk about this." Dumbledore said and tried to call his phoenix, Fawks, to him.
"Call him all you want, your familiar can't make it into the room Dumbledore." Norack said.
"Ma'am." An angry Harry had stood after he watched one of Amelia's people stand at the door and the other one move opposite her towards Dumbledore.
"Harry, he broke the law, I'm taking him into custody." Amelia said.
Dumbledore smiled at Harry, waiting for the boy to state his intentions on Dumbledore's side.
"He also left me on the doorstep of the Dursley house. Even though he had to know my parents didn't want me there." Harry said.
Dumbledore's face fell.
"You left a baby on a doorstep?!" Augusta Longbottom yelled.
"We can assist Madam Bones." Norack said, and mumbled some words too low to hear.
Dumbledore was instantly handcuffed and all his possessions floated out of his pocket.
"Can you keep his possessions here? I don't want to risk them making it back to his hands too early." Amelia asked Norack.
"Of course Madam Bones." Norack said and nodded at her as Dumbledoor was marched out of the room with Amelia and her two Aurors.
"Mr. Potter," Harry heard and stood up to face the group that was left. "Sirius Black was unjustly put in prison, and my daughter in law is Alice Longbottom. Alice and her Husband are, quite unfortunately, still hospitalized due to a terrible curse. I am Augusta Longbottom, and I am raising their son Neville. If you are ever in need, you would be welcome to live with us." The formidable woman said, and Harry smiled and nodded his thanks to the woman.
Harry saw a rumpled looking man with a kind face. "Harry, can you tell us where you have been living?" The man asked.
"Albus Dumbledore left me on the Dursleys doorstep," Harry paused here as he heard a sound letting him know August Longbottom was still upset, "And they took me in the next day. When I was four they got mad when I did accidental magic because I wanted a piece of bacon. They said they wanted to get rid of me and were going to send me to an orphanage in the muggle world." Harry said, still unsure about telling his current location.
The crumpled man with a kind face nodded and smiled at him.
"Harry, the provision that states the sum above go to Remus Lupin was never fulfilled. Is it your wish that money be sent to Mr. Lupin now?" Norack asked. He knew exactly what he was doing here. The goblins liked Mr Lupin, he had dealt with lycanthropy almost all his life and he was a good sort of wizard. Norack wanted everyone here to know Mr Lupin and Harry would be at least friends.
"Harry, that's not necessary. I don't want to take anything from you." The man with a kind face said.
Harry walked over to him. He held out his hand. "Are you Remus Lupin?" Harry asked.
"Yes, sorry." Remus said, and shook Harry's hand.
"Yes Norack please fulfill my Parent's provision set for Mr. Lupin." Harry took a step closer to Remus and Remus had to remember to breathe after looking into eyes that had belonged to Lily. "Mr Lupin, you are not taking anything from me. My Parents set this money for you, for reasons that are their own. I will not go against them." He said and smiled at the man, then went back to his seat.
"While this has been an eventful will reading, there is nothing else. On behalf of Gringotts, thank you everyone for your time and patience." Norack said and lifted the magic that was locking the doors.
"Sir, hold on. Where is Harry living now, where will Harry live?" Augusta Longbottom asked.
"Madam Longbottom, Harry doesn't wish to answer that question. As everyone here knows, the Goblin Nation fiercely protects our young, and would never hurt them. I can tell you with my Goblin heart that Harry Potter is being well cared for and protected. He is being educated. He has friends. His time with the muggle part of his family has been over for six years." Norack said and he could see Augusta wasn't happy but she nodded.
"I'm glad you're safe Mr. Potter, but my offer stands. You will always be welcome at Longbottom manor." Augusta said.
"Thank you ma'am." Harry said to her and bowed his head.
Harry saw a tall blond man leave. Before he left he didn't say anything to Harry, but he did smile at him and bow his head. Harry bowed his head back to the man.
When the room was empty except for Harry, Norack, Hanbey, Mairy and the Grangers Harry let out the breath he didn't know he was holding and squeezed Hermione's hand. Then he realized Remus Lupin was still in the room and was heading out the door.
Harry caught Remus before he left. "Sir." He said to get his attention and Remus looked up from the floor patterns he was apparently cataloging.
"Are you busy today? Can you come over for tea?" Harry asked the man with hope in his voice.
"Uhm, sure. I have to go see a teller first." Remus said.
A Goblin came into the room and handed Norack papers. "Mr. Lupin, that's not necessary. The transfer of three hundred and twenty five thousand galleons has been transferred to your account." Norack said and Remus took the paper. Then he sat in a chair.
Harry saw the paper and realized why the man seemed to be shocked. The current balance of his vault was three hundred and thirty seven thousand galleons. Harry knew the exchange rate would give you a lot of muggle money but also knew in the magical world twelve galleons wouldn't go far.
At the apparition area the Potter elves called more elves and the Grangers, Harry and Remus were apparated to Potter manor from the apparition point.
Remus took a few steps and looked around. "You live at Potter manor?" Remus asked with a smile on his face.
"Yes. The Potter elves looked after me at the Dursleys without the muggles knowing it. Then when they wanted to get rid of me they brought me here, with a plate full of bacon." Harry said, smiling at the memory.
"Who did you live here with?" Remus asked, looking at the Grangers.
"Hello, it's been a few moments that seemed private between you two and I didn't want to interrupt. I'm Dan Granger, this is my wife Emma, and this is our daughter Hermione. We aren't magical but our daughter has magic." Dan said.
"Hello. Do you live here and take care of Harry?" Remus asked, shaking the man's hand.
"No, we live by ourselves, but Harry and Hermione are home schooled together." Emma said.
"Who then?" Remus asked.
"By the Potter family elves. They saved me and took care of me. They homeschool Hermione and I." Harry said.
"You were raised by elves?" Remus asked, surprised.
Hanbey walked closer to Remus so he could see him better. "Yes Master Remus, we took him before they could get rid of him and kept him here and took care of him. We made sure he was educated and he has a friend." Hanbey said, proud of what he and the other elves had done.
"Hanbey." Remus said and smiled. "I think I need to sit down." Remus said.
They moved to the dining room table where sandwiches, biscuits and tea were served. Dan and Emma did a lot of the talking, they told the story of how they met Harry and the Elves. They talked about when they realized Hermione was a witch, of the problems at Hermione's school that led to her being homeschooled. Hanbey had wandered off.
Harry could tell Remus was trying to be polite but saw him eat three sandwiches, two cups of tea and a few biscuits. Hermione saw it too and squeezed Harry's hand. Harry looked at her and she nodded to Lupin.
"Mr. Lupin, do you have stories about my parents?" Harry asked.
"Harry, call me Remus, and I have many stories. I owe you an apology that no words could ever cover. I'm so sorry that you had to go through what you did. You should have been safe, living with Sirius or me. It took me three damn years to get the spells off me, I'm so sorry." Remus said and wiped a tear away.
"Could we get something stronger please?" Dan asked. Toney popped in with three glasses and a bottle of firewhiskey. Emma declined.
After a few minutes Remus told his story. "I was out of the country when James and Lily died. After news reached me of your parents' death I came to find out what had happened and to see that you were cared for. Sirius, your Father and I were all close from when we were in school. When James started dating your Mother she became one of our group. It was really difficult to believe Sirius betrayed your parents, but I didn't know their secret keeper was Peter, everyone thought it was Sirius." Remus paused, and looked at the faces around him. Then he realized he had to explain the fidelius charm.
After the explanation Harry asked," So you thought it was Sirius keeping their location safe, because it was at first. When my parents realized it would be obvious that they made the secret keeper Sirius they changed it to Peter, and he betrayed my parents?"
"Yes, I'm so sorry Harry." Remus said, and he saw Hermione put an arm around Harry.
"Mr. Lupin, it sounds very logical to change their secret keeper, it's not your fault or Sirius's that Peter betrayed them." Hermione said.
"Please call me Remus. And thank you." He said.
"Everyone thought Sirius betrayed your parents and killed Peter, along with a dozen muggles that were on the street when Peter was killed. I went to Dumbledore to find out where you were, but he refused to tell me. I couldn't find you in the magical world and the only place I could imagine you being in the muggle world was with Lily's sister, but I couldn't find Petunia either. I thought that was a long shot since Lily hadn't spoken to Petunia for years and she didn't come to James and Lily's wedding. Little did I know." Remus said, shook his head and took a sip of his fire whiskey.
"After 4 months of badgering Dumbledore for your location, I tried to find you at the ministry but no one would tell me anything. They might have had their reasons but it seems like they didn't know either. When Dumbledore found out I had been to the ministry he set up a meeting with me. I thought he was finally going to tell me because he set up a rather secret location. He didn't tell me a thing. He obliviated me and used other charmes to make me forget James and Lily ever had a child." Remus said.
Hermione had gasped. Dan and Emma looked surprised and scared. Harry looked angry.
"That's illegal! You have to go to Madam Bones." Hermione said.
"I agree, I will be reporting it, Hermione." Remus said and took a breath before continuing his story. " Once I was made to forget you existed Harry, I roamed around. It took five years for me to find out I had been spelled, then three years to save enough money to get a healer to remove them. I came back to Britain last year and started looking for you again." Remus said and took another sip of his firewhiskey.
"Are magical healers very expensive?" Emma asked.
Remus winced.
"I'm sorry-" Emma started to withdraw her question.
"No Emma, it's not that." He sighed and looked at Harry and Hermione. "What do you know about werewolves?" He asked.
"Werewolves, or, magical people affected with lycanthropy, become a werewolf one time a month on the full moon. During the day they are normal and the other 28 nights of the month they are normal also. The wolfsbane potion allows them to keep their wits that one night a month when they are a werewolf." Hermione said.
Harry smiled. "She is very smart." He said.
"You are correct Hermione. I was bitten, and infected with it when I was a child." Remus said and looked at the table.
Emma took his hand. "I'm so sorry." She said and squeezed his hand, then let go.
"So," Emma asked, still not understanding something, "Do healers cost more because you are infected?" She asked.
Remus looked around. "No, well, some healers won't work with you if you're a werewolf. But the real problem is no one will hire you for work. I went to France where the prejudice against werewolves is milder. I was able to get a job but it paid little so it took me a long time to save for a healer." He said, and looked at the people around the table that treated him the same way, even knowing the full truth.
"I should probably get going." Remus said and stood up slowly, not really wanting to go. "Thanks to Harry I can afford some new clothes." He said and smiled at the boy.
"No," Harry said and smiled at Remus, "Thanks to the friend you were to my parents, I had nothing to do with it." Harry said and looked at Remus. "When can we see each other again?" Harry asked.
"Um, I was going to buy some new clothes then go to my room at the Leaky Cauldron and get my paperwork from the healer, they would prove Dumbledore put the spells on me. Then take them to Amelia Bones." Remus said.
"Maybe you should write a letter to Madam Bones to request an urgent appointment. After the will reading I'm betting she is busy." Hermione said.
"You are right about that, Harry, do you have an owl I could use?" Remus asked.
Harry and Remus left to go to the classroom where Harry and Hermione had their classes. Harry provided him with paper, ink and a quill. His owl, Loki, was flying around the room, seemingly glad of the work he would do soon.
When Harry came back to the table he saw the Grangers talking quietly.
"Everything alright?" Harry asked, sitting down.
"How do you feel about Remus staying with you?" Dan asked.
Harry looked puzzled. "You don't think he has his own house?"Harry asked.
"I'm guessing not, he was a close friend of your parents, and it seems he is treated badly because of something that was not his fault, being infected with lycanthropy." Emma said.
"He did eat a surprising amount, like he was really hungry." Harry said.
"Harry, you have more than enough room to keep him here. We could make plans to protect him and you during the full moon, that's three weeks away." Hermione said.
"You're right, it would be nice to have an adult here." Harry said.
After a minute of silence Remus came back into the room and took his seat. " Alright, that's done. I'll hear back if she wants to make an appointment." Remus said and sat down.
"Remus, where are you living?" Harry asked.
A bit of pink colored Remus's cheeks at the blunt question. "I have a room in the leaky cauldron." He said and smiled.
"Would you think about living here, with me?" Harry asked in a small voice, hoping he would say yes. "I mean, there's plenty of room, the elves cook most of the time but Hermione and I are learning how to cook with magic. I-" Harry was going to continue but Remus cut him off.
"Harry, I couldn't impose. I can get along fine." Remus said, not wanting a handout.
"I know you can, but it would be nice to have an adult human here. I have Hermione during the day for school and we do a lot of things, but it still gets quiet. I would like you to live here." Harry said the last sentence quietly, but they all still heard it.
Remus looked at the boy who looked so much like his old friends. "Hanbey." He called.
"Yes Master Lupin." Hanbey said, popping in next to him.
"Please, just call me Remus." Remus said to the elf.
"Yes Master Remus." Hanbey said and Remus smiled.
"Harry has asked me to live here, would the elves have any issue with that, I know you have taken care of him and raised Harry and I don't want any hurt feelings." Remus said to the elf.
"The Potter elves would be happy for Master Remus to live here." Hanbey said with a smile.
Remus was still having a hard time being wanted by anyone and smiled widely at the elf.
"Is the steel room still downstairs, is the lock in good repair?" Remus asked.
"We will see to it, and prepare your rooms." Hanbey said and popped out.
"Harry, I would be happy to live here with you. There is a room in the basement where I can stay during the full moon so we will both be safe. Your Grandparents had it installed so I could spend holidays with James." Remus said and smiled. "Thank you for asking." Remus said and patted the boy on the shoulder.
Just then Loki swooped in with a letter for Remus. He took it off the owl's leg and read the letter.
"It still shocks me how an owl can apparate." Dan said.
"They don't always, it's only places they know well. Sometimes they stop to hunt too." Harry explained.
"She wants to meet in two hours. Harry, I have to get going. I want to buy some better clothes before the meeting and I need to get my things from the Leaky and check out." Remus said, standing up.
"Mairy and I can get your things from the Leaky Cauldron and get you checked out Master Remus." Remus said please, and thanked him and Hanbey and Mairy popped away.
"Harry, what room is yours?" Remus asked.
"I took my Dad's old bedroom." Harry told him. "Hermione has the green bedroom that is across from mine."
Remus smiled, and actually looked happy. "If the elfs put me in the bedroom I stayed in when I stayed here with James, my room will be right next to yours." He looked at Hermione. "Lily used to stay in the room you have, when she first started staying during holidays the room was brown and Lily didn't like it. It was painted green because she said she liked the color." Remus said and he was still smiling.
He looked at Harry, then held out his hand to shake. "Harry, thanks again for asking me to live here. I'm happier than you know that James and Lily's will was read today." Remus said.
Harry looked at the outstretched hand, and he went in for a hug instead. Hermione had taught him that hugs were the best.
After they hugged Harry asked, "I'll add you to the wards while you're gone, that let you apparate back home, right?"
"Yes, it should. If not, can I call one of the Potter elfs?" Remus asked.
"I'll ask-" Harry was going to say but Mairy and Hanbey popped back in with a well worn trunk.
"I gathered your things and Mairy checked you out Master Remus." Hanbey said.
"Thank you, both of you." Remus said and went through his trunk until he found an envelope.
"I have my medical report, now I'll go to Diagon and get some new clothes before my meeting. Hanbey, Harry is going to add me to the wards, but if it doesn't work may I call on you to bring me back…home?" Remus asked, gulping a bit at the word home.
"Of course Master Remus." Hanbey said with a smile. He was having a hard time keeping his emotions down, but he was very happy about Master Remus living with them.
Remus shook Dan's hand and Emma kissed his cheek. "It was good to meet you Remus, we might be gone before you get back." Emma said.
"It was good to meet both of you also." Remus said.
He turned around to say goodbye to Hermione but he was the recipient of a famous Hermione hug. Remus patted her back. "It's been an honor to meet you Hermione." Remus said.
"You too." Hermione said, when she let go of him.
"See you in a few hours." Harry said and nodded to Remus. Remus nodded back at him, then he was gone. He walked to the outside of the Potter wards and apparated to Diagon Alley.