AN: I really hope you enjoy writing this chapter. I knew how I wanted it to end, but I was not sure how it was going to play out. I think it came out pretty good. Please review and let me know what you think!

Chapter 12

The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole- Friday July 2nd 1993

Friday started off uneventful, the inhabitants of the Burrow were blissfully unaware of the events that would transpire in just a few short hours. The younger three residents of the Burrow occupied themselves while waiting for the arrival of Remus Lupin. Arthur was off to work, Bill had gone back to Egypt for the weekend gathering his belongings and settling his affairs before returning back home for good.

After lunch Ron seemed to be in a better mood and asked Harry to play a round of chess with him. Harry knew this was the stepping stone of restoring their friendship with Ron making an effort. They played two rounds, which Harry lost thankfully not as poorly as before he had Ginny's help, and started on their third.

"Ron, I know you've been upset at me and Ginny. This isn't anything we can control, you know." Harry said, making his first move."

"Yeah, I do," Ron grumbled making his move. "Doesn't mean I like it."

"I'm sorry you feel that way Ron but I can't change anything and even if I could I wouldn't"

"It's just not fair."

"What, you wish it was you I saved down there?" Harry asked, trying to make a joke.

"No, ew mate no. It's just you were my friend first and now your Ginny's…you know. You won't be around anymore." Ron said, trying not to make eye contact with Harry.

He sounds like a girl Ginny snickered internally while pretending to read her book on the sofa.

He's trying Gin, be nice

"I wouldn't forget about you because Ginny's around, it's just an added person. If you wouldn't have been sulking around like a git all summer we would have hung out with you too."

"I…sorry Harry," Ron grumbled.

"Don't just apologize to me, you hurt Ginny's feelings too."

"Sorry Ginny."

"It's okay Ron, I know this isn't easy for any of us. But if you insult me or Harry again I'll show you what I can really do."

Ron gulped and the pair continued their game making slight conversation throughout.

I'm glad to have Ron back

He's a prick but he's our prick Ginny giggled

Ron looked up confused at her outburst but shook it off and continued playing. Another hour passed when Arthur Weasley made his entrance back from work. He seemed pleased to see his son and his friend make amends.

"Good evening Weasleys, what a wonderful day it has been." Arthur said, walking into the kitchen. He spotted his wife preparing for their dinner guest. He walked behind her, grabbed her waist, and planned a small kiss on her cheek.

"I'm glad you've had a good day my love. Dinner will be ready soon, I expect Remus to drop in at any time." Molly said, turning slightly to her husband then resuming her task of kneading bread.

As if on cue Remus Lupin was seeing coming out of the fireplace dusting himself off. Harry got up from his game and ran to his honorary uncle.

"Uncle Moony, you're here!" Harry ran and gave the older man a quick hug and gestured toward the living room. "Welcome to the Burrow, this is my friend Ron, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are in the kitchen come on."

Molly and Arthur Weasley made their way into the living room to greet their guest. Arthur Weasley greeted the slightly younger man first, shaking his hand.

"Remus Lupin, what a pleasure it has been some years my friend."

"That is has Arthur, you have a lovely home, I can see young Prongslet here is very well taken care of."

"Prongslet?" Harry asked.

"Prongs was your dad's nickname growing up, Moony was mine. When you were little Sir…we would call you prongslet." Remus explained as the twins made their way into the living room.

"Georgie boy-"

"Freddie-"

"-did he just say-"

"-Prongs and Moony" They finished together. Looks of pure joy and confusion were mixed on their faces as they looked between Harry and Remus finally looking back at each other. Their smiles widened as they approached Remus.

"I solemnly swear-" The twins said in unison holding up a mocked three finger scout salute.

"-that I am up to no good," Remus finished holding up the same three finger salute with a sly smile.

"IT IS," Fred and George said in unison as they rushed to Remus' side and bowed while waving their arms in exaltation.

"Master Moony, teach us your ways, we are unworthy."

Remus laughed as the rest of the living room looked on in confusion.

"What in heaven's name, Fred and George?" Molly asked, exasperated by her son's actions.

"I presume you found the map?"

"Map?" Arthur and Harry asked together.

"While in school Harry's father, myself, and our other two friends called ourselves the Marauders. We, mostly James and Sirius, were mischief maker's at Hogwarts. We worked together to create a map, let's just say it's a very special map, of Hogwarts during our time there. We handed it down to a second year before we left, however did you find it?" Remus explained.

"Nicked it from Filch's office, first year," George replied gleefully. Remus laughed at the pair's awestruck faces.

"Invoke your wisdom onto us oh great Moony." The twins said in unison.

"We will save that for a later time," Remus began, "when we aren't in earshot of your mother." He winked at the twins and turned his attention to Harry.

"I promise I can tell you a lot more of your father and his antics, but first I'd love to get to know more about you and your friends Harry," Remus began as he and Harry took a seat on the sofa next to one another. "Ron, Harry tells me the two of you have gone on quite a few adventures yourself during your time at Hogwarts. What's this I hear about the greatest chess game Dumbledore has ever seen?"

As they continued talking Molly made her way into the kitchen to finish dinner preparations. Harry and Remus continued to talk more about the Marauders and Harry's parents. Harry shared about his two years at Hogwarts and his encounters with the different forms of Voldermort. At around six Molly called from the kitchen that dinner was ready.

"Ginny, be a dear and go get Percy from his room please." Molly asked her daughter.

"Sure mom," Ginny said, making her way up the stairs. Ron, the twins, and Arthur made their way into the kitchen. Remus looked at Harry as his eyes followed Ginny out of the room.

"You truly are a Potter," Remus joked at Harry, putting his arm around Harry's shoulder and walking with him to the dining room and smiling lovingly at the young wizard.

"What do you mean Uncle Moony?"

"Every Potter male for generations has found himself hopelessly in love with a redhead. I've heard someone call it a curse, but from my experience it's anything but," Remus explained as he took a seat next to Harry. Harry had two empty seats next to him reserved for Ginny and Percy. Fred and George sat across from Remus, Ron next to them as Molly and Arthur sat at either head. Molly placed down the last of the dinner which consisted of shepherd's pie, roasted carrots, cabbage, dinner rolls, and some meat pies.

"This looks delicious Molly, it has been quite some time since I have had a home cooked meal."

"Well I hope you enjoy it and you are welcome to dinner anytime. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of ours," Molly said with a smile in Harry's direction.

The meal went on without a hitch. The twins continued, much to their mother's disdain, to talk about the Marauders. Harry was happy to hear all of the stories Remus had to offer. Soon, everyone at the table was happy and well fed.

"I'm honestly not sure if I have ever eaten a meal as wonderful as that Molly, thank you truly."

"Oh, I hope you didn't over stuff yourself, I made Harry's favorite for dessert." Molly flicked her wand and a treacle tart made its way from the kitchen to the dining table. With another flick it sliced and served itself onto a clean dinner plate in front of each dinner guest. They continued to eat and talk amongst themselves as they finished their dessert.

"Another great meal Mols, Remus, Harry, why don't you two go in the garden, I'm sure you would like some alone time," Arthur said standing up from the table.

"That sounds great, alright with you Harry?"

"Yeah," Harry said, following Remus out the kitchen door.

"I'll help you with cleaning up mum," Ginny told her mother, gathering dinner plates.

Harry and Remus made their way to the garden. They walked together making small conversation as Harry began showing Remus around the Weasley property.

"I can see you are very happy here Harry."

"Yeah, the Weasley's are the best family and it definitely beats the Dursley's."

"You are living with your mother's sister?" Remus asked, pausing to look at Harry.

"Yeah, I was, but not anymore."

"I can't believe it, Harry, I am so sorry. Had I known you were with those awful, awful people I could have tried a lot harder to get custody of you."

"You tried to get custody of me?"

I wonder what my life would be

What's that? Ginny asked internally

You weren't listening?

No, I was giving you your privacy Harry

Oh, thank you, but I really don't mind you listening, I would tell you anyway

Ginny blushed as she was putting away a stack of dishes which made her mother smile softly and shake her head before continuing her task.

"I did, though I didn't try really hard enough. Once someone on the Wizengamot mentioned my…condition, I backed off. Dumbledore told me you were safe so I left it at that. I've regretted that decision ever since, even more now that I know you were at the one place your mother did not want you to go."

I could have been with someone who loved me

You are with people who love you now Harry, don't worry about those people

"Your condition?" Harry asked, trying to change the subject of what could have been.

"I'll tell you Harry, but promise me you won't think of me too differently."

"Of course not Uncle Moony," Harry said, looking slightly worried.

"Why don't we sit down," Remus motioned towards a bench on the edge of the garden. The pair sat and Harry looked up confused at the older man. Remus paused before answered Harry's question, "This isn't easy for me…I'm a werewolf, Harry, "

I thought werewolves were mean

I thought they were hairy

"You don't look like a werewolf," Harry said confused.

Remus chuckled, "It only really affects me on a full moon and a day or two before and after."

"So, that's why the ministry didn't think you would make a good guardian?" Harry asked.

"Yes Harry, the wizarding world is rather close minded when it comes to my kind, they think we are all evil and dangerous."

"You're not evil Uncle Moony."

"There are a lot of werewolves who are, it's how they were treated and became, or simply how they were raised."

"I'm sorry Uncle Moony, I wouldn't have minded you raising me. It sure would have beat Vernon Dursley," Harry joked.

"I know, kid, I know. I'm sorry I wasn't there," Remus ruffled Harry's hair and smiled. "I'm glad to see you turned out alright. Speaking of, how did you end up living with the Weasley's"

Do you mind if I tell him Gin

If you trust him, so do I Harry

Thanks

"Well, this is a very long story." Harry continued to tell Remus about his encounter in the chamber and the effects of Ginny saving his life. He explained what he knew of the soul bond and the connection he now shared with Ginny.

"Harry, that's… at 12 years old, wow." Remus was awestruck. "I'm not sure if I should be sad for you or happy that at 12 years old you've found your soul mate."

"Definitely happy," Harry said. "I have never felt happier in my life. I get to be around an amazing girl and her loving family. If you told me two years ago I had a family that loved me I wouldn't have believed you."

"I am sorry you didn't grow up in a loving home, but I am glad you have found one. The Weasley's are an amazing family."

Harry went on to tell Remus about his trip to Gringotts and his emancipation as well as the vaults he now had access to.

"That's how I found out about Sirius and you. I'm Sirius' heir so I have access to his vaults since he's in Azkaban."

"You're still Sirius' heir?" Remus asked, slightly confused.

"Yea, you would think someone who betrayed my parents would have thought to change their will," Harry said growing frustrated. Remus sighed and looked up at the sunset.

"I don't know if I will truly understand what happened back then Harry. I never would have thought that Sirius would have turned on your parents. He was your father's best friend and I always thought he hated the Dark Arts, but people change. I wish I was their Secret Keeper so that none of this happened, but I think they suspected me as the spy." Remus and Harry drifted off into a silence, both thinking about what could have been and the dreadful events of that Halloween night.

If I ever see Sirius Black I'll kill him myself Harry thought

Harry…

Ginny I'm serious, not only did he get my parents killed he ruined my life and Remus' he doesn't deserve to live

I understand you're mad Harry but you've got to calm down, you know what happened last time

I'm just so mad Ginny

I know Harry but I can feel your anger and it's getting intense

I'm sorry Ginny

He's locked away rotting in prison for the rest of his life. You have us now, a family that loves you and will do anything to protect you. Most importantly, you have me.

Thank you Gin

"Well, I think it's about time we made our way inside," Remus said standing up. The pair made their way back into the Burrow's living room as they see Ron coming down the stairs with Scabbers in his cage.

"Mum, Scabbers is acting weird and won't come out of his cage. He won't even eat some of the carrots I brought him from dinner. He loves your roasted carrots." Ron said as he walked on the last step headed for his mother who was sitting in the arm chair of the living room. The rat was pacing itself back and forth in the cage looking very sickly. Remus looked up as he entered the room and saw a face he had not seen in almost 13 years.

"We can go to Diagon Alley in the morning to get him some tonic, he is a rather other rat though dear," Molly answered without looking up.

"You bastard!" Remus yelled, taking his wand out of his pocket. "Stupefy!"

A bright red light rushed out of Remus' wand and hit the rat dead on. The inhabitants of the room looked on in horror as their beloved family rat lay motionless in its cage.

DUN DUN DUNNNN

I think this is the best I could do for a cliffhanger. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please please leave a review and let me know what you think!