Chapter 15: Reunion

Harry woke before dawn and crept to look out the window of Neville's bedroom. His dreams had been troubled. Several times he'd woken to the sound of howling coming from the mansions surrounding woods. The moonlight streaming brightly through the large windows had drawn his gaze time and again, haunting the edges of his dreams.

He liked Longbottom Manor well enough but one couldn't really describe it as cozy. Every corner had a breakable object or priceless artifact. The sheer number of talking portraits alone placed strategically throughout the mansion was mindboggling to the muggle-raised wizard. Generations of Longbottom ancestors stared imperiously down their painted noses at the boys. Neville told Harry that he suspected his grandmother had placed all the portraits to help babysit him. When a portrait admonished the boys to 'Stop roughhousing' Harry was sure his friend was right.

Harry was astonished that Neville liked the Marauders considering he had so many examples of portraits in his home. But Neville assured him that the marauders were awesome. They even knew his mom and dad. The stories they told Neville about how Frank had proposed to his mom, and the story of Frank's bachelor party had Neville laughing until he cried. Harry wasn't sure if they were tears of joy or sadness but figured they were probably a little bit of both. Harry gave Neville his space and even let him talk to the Marauders alone for a few hours.

Neville seemed to appreciate the gesture and soon after opened up to Harry about his parents and how Death Eaters had attacked Neville's parents and tortured them into insanity.

Neville told him he wasn't sure if it would have been better if his parents had died rather than be like they were. Harry and the Marauders listened quietly as Neville told the story. Harry couldn't help but wonder at the similarities between them and was very grateful for Neville's friendship.

Longbottom Manor was four stories and had two wings of elaborate marble and quartz stone. Pale colors adorned the walls,, chandeliers dripped with magical light, and it was difficult to find a comfortable chair in the whole manor. Everything was hard and had dangerous angles. It simply screamed 'Don't Touch.'

Harry couldn't help but compare Neville's home to Remus's. He preferred the comfy cushions one could sink into, even though the sofa was threadbare and sagged a bit and the leather recliner had seen better days. He missed the smell of leather and parchment, the deep rich colors of natural wood that enriched Remus's home.

Harry sighed looking out at the sky as it grew to a paler blue and he could just discern the first sound of birdsong. He couldn't shake the feeling of worry he was having for Remus. He truly had looked unwell, almost as if he had been in pain. He glanced over at Neville asleep in the matching queen-sized bed across the room. He would likely sleep for hours. Harry glanced to the corner where his broom leaned and he worried on his lip trying to decide what to do.

He could be back before anyone even knew he was gone. He would just check on Remus, make sure he was okay, and fly right back. It would take half an hour tops! He knew the way. Remus, Neville and he had flown between the two residences several times. He spent a few minutes trying to talk himself out of the adventure. Shouldn't he at least tell someone where he was going?

Finally. Coming to a quick decision, he went to Neville's desk and found a quill and ink jar, as well as parchment, and quickly wrote: 'Went to check on Remus, be back soon. Harry.'

Nodding in satisfaction he left the note on his pillow in plain view. He dressed as quietly as he could, grabbed his broom, and opened the window wide. Carefully he climbed up onto the window sill, and with a last look at Neville to make sure he was still sound asleep he leveled his broom out the window and hopped on. Kicking off the stone wall. he quickly rose soundlessly into the air hovering above the sprawling manor, orienting himself and then he shot off in the direction of the cabin.

It was easy to find, he just had to follow the river. A silver snake beneath the rapidly disappearing moon guided him home. Just as he spotted the meadow and the cabin he also noticed movement below him.

Two men, one helping another stumbled towards the cabin from the shelter of the woods. Harry focused and recognition dawned even as the morning light crested over the forest setting the sky on fire. Harry called out and dived to come to a graceful hover alongside Remus "Is he okay?" Panic and fear overriding all caution. He hopped off the broom and wrapped an arm around his guardian's waist trying to help.

Remus blinked down at the young boy who just seemed to materialize at his side. Did he apparate? His eyes swept over Harry and noted the windswept hair and the broom in his other hand. "You flew here? Alone?" Though his hand went to Harry's shoulder seemingly grateful for the support.

Between Sirius and Harry, they were soon able to get Remus wrestled into the recliner with a steaming mug of hot chocolate in his hands. Only then did Harry realize he had largely been ignoring Sirius as well as Remus's questions. Well, not ignoring him really, just distracted with getting Remus situated, but now that he was, Harry didn't know what to say.

Neither did Sirius it seemed. Man and boy just looked at each other and Harry blushed and dropped his gaze when Sirius continued to stare as if he was seeing a ghost.

"You look just like your dad. Well, your dad when he was 11." Sirius tried for a smile but it didn't reach his eyes. Too much pain rested there. Harry missed the look, but he could hear it. The sound a man makes when he's trying not to cry. How his voice shook slightly, became gruffer. "Except you have your mother's eyes." Sirius shook his head and turned towards the kitchen abruptly.

Harry didn't know what to say. Sirius looked a lot different than his portrait. Harry suddenly understood what Remus meant about him not being the same.

Remus broke into the moment with a wry comment, "So Harry. Did you tell anyone you were coming home?"

Harry shook his head and said, "No sir. I left Neville a note."

Sirius took the moment to busy himself with pouring both Harry and himself mugs of hot chocolate, forcing his hands to stop shaking and his breathing to return to normal. Once he was calm he brought the comforting mug of cocoa into Harry's cold hands.

The early morning ride had chilled the boy and he was still a shivering mess. Sirius scootched next to him and threw a comforter over his legs and grinned, "So you were worried about Remus and decided to come to see if he was okay?"

Harry nodded, "Yes Sir."

Sirius blanched, "Sir? No no no no Harry. Anything but sir. Please, call me Sirius." He smiled.

Harry nodded, "Sirius." Then gave his godfather a tentative return smile. Remus cleared his throat drawing their attention.

"As much as I appreciate your concern, Harry, I can't condone you flying alone. Anything could have happened and it would have been hours before someone knew." He gave Sirius a look knowing that Sirius was about to object on Harry's behalf.

Harry couldn't see the glare Sirius cast his remaining best friend. But Remus simply returned Black's glare unapologetically.

Sirius sighed, "He's right Harry. What you did was reckless. Though I commend your loyalty and bravery, you should have at least woken up Neville and let him know so if he didn't hear from you he could call in the calvary. Even the Marauders always deployed the buddy system." Remus was looking more and more outraged with every word Sirius spoke.

"I think he should have informed an adult at the very least. But… Regardless. You must promise me Harry that you won't do anything like this again." Harry looked hurt and confused but nodded.

"I'm sorry. I was just worried." He looked so dejected that Sirius and Remus both felt incredibly guilty, though for different reasons.

"Thank you, Harry. In spite of your reckless behavior, I appreciate your concern and your desire to help." He placed his mug on the side table beside him and glanced over at Sirius, "Can you escort Harry back? I'm sure the both of you can fit on his broom."

He gave a tired yawn and once again Harry worried about the man's health. He still looked peaky. "You can floo back after dinner Harry," Remus assured him.

Sirius nodded, "Come on Pup. It's been a long time since I've been on a broom. You can show me what I've missed." Having hit upon one of Harry's favorite subjects had the boy grinning. Harry scrambled to give Remus a quick embrace.

"Are you sure you are okay Remus?" Harry asked. Remus saw the depths of Harry's concern then. Could smell it on him.

"Harry I promise. It's nothing you need to worry about. I'll be as right as rain by tomorrow." He ran his fingers through the boy's hair noting how he already needed another haircut. "Go show Sirius how to fly a broom cub." He smiled and then reminded Harry strongly of the portrait Moony.

Sirius had just left when Remus's floo chimed. He looked where the flame flared green and Albus Dumbledore's face appeared within. "Remus my boy, do you mind if I come through?"

Remus sighed. He had been expecting this but had hoped it would come later rather than sooner. Sighing he said, "It was a full moon last night Albus. Can it wait?" Letting the werewolf's irritation seep into his voice.

Albus sighed, "I wish it could. I'll try and keep it brief Remus." Remus sighed and said, "Fine. Come through."

Dumbledore came through the floo with a flourish and dusted himself with a wave of his wand, "How are you, my boy?" The headmaster asked with a discerning glace over his former pupil who was currently glaring at him. He noted the exhaustion, the pale complexion, the dark circles beneath the man's eyes, the premature gray, and the cursed scars marring his fine-boned features.

"I'm peachy Albus. What do you want?" Remus didn't mean to lose his temper. If he wasn't coming off the full moon he might have better success reigning in his emotions.

Albus sighed. "I know you are angry Remus. It is understandable."

Remus shook his head, "Albus I can't talk to you about this now."

Albus had the grace to look ashamed of himself. "Remus, I just would like you to speak with him on my behalf. Arrange a meeting?" Remus shook his head. "Please, Remus? I am sure he is going to petition for guardianship of Harry. That would be a mistake. Surely you can see that?"

Remus sighed. "Albus. Please leave. I'll talk to you when I don't feel like vomiting all over your outlandish pink robes."

Albus left quickly thereafter. Remus growled "Stupid meddling old coot." Before drifting off into exhausted slumber.

AN: This chapter has been edited as of 5/31. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy. Please drop a review. Your encouragement means the world. If you are interested in being a Beta Reader for this story please PM me.