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Harry Potter had just turned seven years old when the man moved into the house across the street. His aunt watched the moving van unload boxes for just under an hour at ten o’clock on a Saturday morning, she had sneered when she saw the big black dog that sat beside the man but Harry thought it was rather cool.
At one Petunia bundled both boys into coats (Harry’s rather threadbare and secondhand) and ushered them across the street. She was grumbling, had wanted to go later in the day but their neighbour had already gone and Petunia didn’t want to be shown up. So her and the boys went across carrying a box of cookies that Harry had made. Dudley was in a foul mood after being taken away from his game and Petunia was trying to bribe him into behaving. Harry had already been told that misbehaving meant no dinner.
“What a strange house,” she muttered as they walked up the stone path. There were a pot of flowers on each side of the door and through the curtains books were already in piles across the floor. Petunia knocked on the door.
It opened very quickly, the man standing there with a smile and the dog sitting right behind him. “Hello.”
“Hi,” Petunia put on her neighbour-voice. “I’m Petunia Dursley, I live across the street. We thought we would come and say hi.”
“Remus Lupin. Pleasure to meet you. Come in,” he stepped backwards and then laughed once. “He’s fully trained. Won’t bite or jump up. Too lazy anyway.”
Harry swore that the dog huffed in annoyance.
“What’s its name?” Dudley demanded as the three of them stepped into the small foyer. His house was set up almost the same as the Dursley’s.
“His name is Padfoot,” the man replied, his gaze flicking to Harry. He frowned at the floor, the name sounded so familiar but Harry couldn’t place it anywhere. “And what’s your name?”
“Dudley. Why have you got so many books?”
Remus grinned, “inquisitive soul, aren’t you? I like to read, and it’s my job to read books. Are these both your sons?”
“Oh! No. Not at all. Harry is my sister’s son.”
“Playdate is it?” Remus asked. The dog huffed again.
“That would be easier. No, Harry lives with us full time. My sister is dead.”
Being used to the brash way his aunt spoke of his parents, Harry didn’t wince at the way she phrased it - so he saw how Remus did. “Well,” Remus replied after a moment, “that must be a handful. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to look after two boys. I’m sure that the people here help out, everyone has been so kind.”
“Harry’s a - a handful. We don’t get a lot of help. We manage. Where did you move from?”
“I move a lot, but I just left Wales. Have you been here long?”
Petunia smiled, “since I married my husband. He’s at work or he would have come to say hello-” Vernon was currently sitting and watching TV in their living room. “It’s not everyday we get new residents.”
“I can imagine. Well, I hope that we can see each other again. It will be nice to get some friends in the area.”
“Perhaps dinner then,” Petunia replied. “How about tomorrow?”
“I’ll host. It gives me a reason to unpack my kitchen in a timely manner,” Remus laughed again. Harry thought it sounded rather fake.
His aunt agreed to the dinner before thrusting the box of cookies to Remus and started herding the boys outside. When he stepped outside, following his aunt and cousin, a gust of wind blew over them. His coat did practically nothing against the chill. But, in the strangest turn of events, the chill went away while the wind was still blowing. Harry turned back to the house, wrapping the warm coat around himself tighter. Remus was standing in the doorway, and when Harry looked back he winked; smiling brightly at the younger boy. He waved and stepped back, the door appearing to shut on its own.
~
The Dursleys and Harry arrived at Remus’ house at six sharp. He let them in, all warm smiles and welcomes. They hung their coats up - Harry’s still warm as if there was a heater inside it even though it looked the same - as Padfoot came bounding down the stairs. He stopped right in front of Harry, sat, tilted his head and then licked Harry’s face causing the boy to laugh. His aunt and uncle looked on in barely concealed disgust, Dudley looked annoyed.
“Oh, stop it you mutt,” Remus chided. Padfoot pulled back, looked at Remus and then licked his hand. “Go away. Come on in, the sitting room is just here.”
Padfoot followed them.
“What - lovely furniture,” Petunia said. Harry looked around. The house looked like every piece was from a different time period, country or style. Nothing fit quite right but it all worked very well, at least in Harry’s mind. There were still piles of books stacked against the walls, some looked very old.
“Very unusual,” Vernon continued. Clearly the Dursleys disagreed with Harry that the house was actually quite lovely.
“Thank you. Please, sit. There’s some puzzles on the side table if the boys want to do them, I don’t think sitting and listening to us is very entertaining.”
Dudley pushed his way to the side table, taking one of the puzzles before Harry had the chance to see. Remus watched Harry pick up the second puzzle with a small frown, it disappeared when the adults turned to him. The man confused Harry. He seemed like some that Harry should know but couldn’t put anywhere. The puzzle was of a forest, a stag standing proud in the middle of a clearing.
A beeping broke Harry’s concentration, Remus standing up when Harry looked up from his halfway completed puzzle. “That’ll be dinner. I’ll go and finish it off.”
“Harry,” Vernon called, “go and see if you can be any help.”
He stood, doing as he was told. Remus hummed to himself, “he’s very well behaved.”
“Thank you.”
Harry didn’t think that Remus meant it as a compliment. He followed the older man into the kitchen, Padfoot walking alongside Harry. The kitchen was probably the most modern part of the living area, and the least eclicatatic - aside from the bundles of different plants hanging up and a shelf of glass jars beside the window. Remus pulled a tray out from the oven before going to the fridge.
“Have a look in the white jar to your left,” Remus called. Harry did. Inside were a whole pile of individually wrapped chocolates. “Help yourself to one.”
“No thank you, Mr Lupin.”
Remus stepped back, holding two bowls. He was frowning and Harry got the sense that he had done something wrong. “No? I thought all children were partial to chocolate.”
“I’m not really allowed sweets.”
“So don’t tell your aunt and uncle. They can’t hear us, if that’s what’s stopping you.” Harry tentatively reached out and took one. The tense look on Remus’ face seemed to disappear at Harry’s action. “They’re there for you, Harry. If you ever want one just take one. And you don’t need to share with your cousin.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lupin”
“You’re very much welcome, and please, Harry, just call me Remus. Anyway, chocolate makes everything better, or that’s what a very wise man once told me.”
Harry opened the sweet, “who told you that?”
“Padfoot of course!”
“He’s a dog!” Harry laughed.
“So?” Remus also laughed, “if you listen closely you can hear him complaining that he isn’t invited to dinner.”
Harry observed the dog who hadn’t taken his gaze off Harry since he had arrived at the house. “I suppose that I would be annoyed if I had to eat dog food instead of people food.”
“Yes,” Remus nodded and eyed the dog. “I think I would be as well. Well, come on then, let’s take this out and eat. Maybe, if he behaves, I’ll save some from Pads.”
“I think that he would like that.”
Padfoot rested his head on Harry’s shoulder, Remus smiled when Harry laughed at the action. “It looks like he likes you.”
“Good dog,” Harry praised, scratching the dog’s nose. Padfoot huffed but didn’t move until Harry did when he followed Remus out. The Dursleys were sitting at the table, it wasn’t big enough for all six of them but they managed to fit them all in. Padfoot pressed his nose against Petunia's bare calf causing her to jump and Harry to snicker behind his hand.
Dinner was an awkward but overall okay affair. Remus asked a lot of questions, letting Vernon talk so he didn’t have to. He didn’t seem particularly interested in the answers and Harry couldn’t blame him. Uncle Vernon was an angry but boring man. Petunia would input sometimes, discussing how great her husband and son were. How she had prize winning flowers (that Harry looked after) and how they hosted a book club every third Thursday night.
“So, no wife?” Vernon asked, his cup clinking against his plate and distracting Harry from watching Padfoot on his bed.
“No. No wife. I had someone, up until recently but uh, she’s not with us anymore.”
“Oh, I am so sorry!” Petunia sighed in that fake way she had mastered. “How awful.”
“Yes,” Remus smiled sadly. “It’s why I moved here, figured I might try and see if I could - uh - start fresh.”
Vernon nodded, “a sensible thing to do.”
“I thought so,” Remus replied. Harry watched Padfoot roll his eyes. Harry didn’t know if dogs could roll their eyes. Or if they could understand aunts and uncles who were lying about being sad for Remus. He didn’t think so. “Desert? It’s just ice-cream, I’m afraid.”
“I want ice cream!”
“Dudley can, but Harry is lactose-intolerant so he can’t have any.”
Remus smiled at Petunia, “is he? Let me clear this away then.” He stood, and didn’t seem surprised when Vernon told Harry to help out. Harry did as he was told and went to pick up the nearest dish - the tray the chicken had been on. Remus took it before he could get it, “do you mind bringing the cutlery in, Harry?”
Usually Harry took all the dishes in - he considered himself to be very good at it. It was odd how Remus piled up all of the plates and serving dishes and left only a few serving spoons and forks for Harry. It was as if Remus didn’t want Harry to help him. He did as he was told anyway. Happy to leave the dining room for just a moment when Dudley started whining for ice cream and candy.
“Just put it in the sink, Harry,” Remus waved towards the sink where he had already piled his dishes and opened the freezer. “I’ll worry about it later.”
“I can do the dishes while you have dessert, if you want?”
Remus looked sad again but he smiled when he saw Harry looking over at him. “Nonsense, and you’re having dessert with us.”
“I can’t have ice-cream,” Harry replied. He didn’t like lying to Remus, the man seemed very nice. And he probably knew that Harry was a liar - he had taken the chocolate before and he wasn’t supposed to take that either. What if Remus didn’t like Harry because of that. He wasn’t sure why the idea of Remus not liking him was so upsetting.
“Lucky for you, I have sorbet as well. It’s dairy free.”
“Uh-”
“Your aunt and uncle can’t say anything about it,” Remus interrupted. “Have another chocolate while I get the bowls.”
Harry had another chocolate. It was very good chocolate, with a raspberry filling and something that made it pop in his mouth. “Thank you.”
“You are very welcome, Mr. Potter. Now, what flavour do you like? I can do chocolate or strawberry?” Remus asked, the freezer was still open and after Harry chose the latter Remus reached in and pulled out a plain white tub - tapping the top as he went. Padfoot knocked his head against Harry’s softly and huffed. “Good choice.”
“Mr. Lupin?”
“Hmm?”
“Is your dog magic?”
Remus laughed at the question, his eyes crinkling. Harry thought he looked very kind when he laughed like that. “I think he must be. How about you?”
“I think so. He’s a very smart dog and he rolled his eyes at my aunt.”
“Well, if he did that then he must be a smart dog.” Padfoot huffed again when Harry petted his head. “Whether he’s magical or not, he likes you a whole lot.”
“I like him as well.”
Remus smiled at him and then gathered up the desert and bowls. “Shall we, Mr. Potter?”
“Why do you call me that?”
“It’s your name, isn’t it?”
Harry shrugged, “I’m not really supposed to mention it.”
“Well, I think that’s stupid,” Remus replied and Harry laughed. “Now, let’s go and eat this yummy dessert.”
Padfoot followed the two of them back to the Dursleys. Remus sat the ice cream and sorbet on the table. “Lucky for us, I have dairy free sorbet so Harry can join us tonight. Are there any other restrictions I should know?”
“No,” Vernon replied tightly. Remus dished up their ice cream, either ignoring or oblivious to the annoyed looks the other adults were sending him and each other. Harry thought he was probably just ignoring them. Remus seemed far too smart to be oblivious to things like that.
“Great. I can imagine how intense having two boys must be,” Remus continued and then laughed lightly. “I went to a boarding school and putting two boys of the same age together is a recipe for disaster.”
“Yes. It is. Luckily my Dudley is a very well behaved boy, so I only have one little trouble maker,” Petunia replied.
Remus hummed and handed her a bowl and a glass of wine - it was not her first. “You said that you don’t get much help?”
“No. Not with Harry. He has a reputation for making mischief, you see.” Harry looked at the table as his uncle spoke. He didn’t miss the way Padfoot perked up, but couldn’t think much of it. “And people are too afraid to be the firm adult they need to be with him.”
“Right,” Remus agreed. “Well, if you ever need help I’m home all the time. I work from home, see, and only go into London once a month for a few days. I watched my old neighbour’s son as well, it might be nice to do it again.”
When Petunia and Vernon tentatively agreed that they would take Remus up on the offer, Padfoot started growling lowly. All three Dursleys jolted backwards. “Are you sure he isn’t dangerous?” Petunia asked.
“Padfoot. Stop it now, or leave.” Remus seemed to have a staring competition with the dog, and won in the end. Padfoot sulking back into the bed. He was still watching Harry. “Sorry about him. He is tame.”
“Good.”
After their ice cream was finished Vernon insisted that Harry clear the table alone, to thank Remus for the sorbet. Harry did so, being followed by Padfoot. He put the bowls with the other dishes, feeling guilty for leaving them unclean. When he turned around, Padfoot had his front paws on the kitchen bench and was using his head to push the chocolate jar towards the edge. He looked at Harry and then back at the jar.
“Dogs can’t have chocolate,” Harry had learnt that in class only a few weeks ago. He huffed and pushed the jar towards Harry. “For me?” Well, Remus had said that he was allowed to take one whenever he wanted. “Thanks.”
Padfoot licked his face.
“Come on Harry! We’re leaving.”
The Dursleys were standing in the foyer when Harry left the kitchen. Remus handed Harry his coat. “It looks like a very warm coat, that one. Good for night time.”
“It’s very warm,” Harry replied. He hadn’t forgotten the wink. “Thank you.”
Remus smiled. Harry was pretty sure that he got the message. “Well, don’t be strangers. I hope to see you all again soon.”
They all said their pleasantries before leaving to walk back across the road. As they did, Harry put his hands in his pockets - his fingers cold - and was not all that surprised to feel two wrapped chocolates hidden there. He didn’t think Remus meant for him to share.
“If you don’t behave you’ll be locked away.”
“They are evil! I couldn’t help it.”
“Sure,” Remus nodded, “they are. But they can not think I have a badly behaved dog or they will not want to be associated with me. So, you need to behave.”
Sirius was pouting, slumped in their bed. “They agreed for you to take him. Just like that.”
“I know.”
“They don’t know you. How could they do that?”
“Yes, Pads, I know that but-”
“And how long has it been going on? How many times has Harry been left alone with a stranger because we didn’t get here fast enough?”
Remus sighed, climbing over to sit next to Sirius. They were only twenty-eight but Merlin, Remus felt every bit sixty. He threaded his fingers through Sirius’ hair, the two of them practically on top of each other in their winter pjs. Sirius looked as tired and unsure and worried as Remus felt and he couldn’t help but worry about his partner. The entire situation was - to put it lightly - shit.
“We can’t blame ourselves even if we want to. Harry was hard to find Dum-” Remus cut himself off at Sirius’ look and changed his wording “-Albus made sure of that. Probably for our benefit as well as any death eaters. Now, can we please say his name?”
“No. His name is as cursed as Voldy’s. You’re right, but the way they looked at him made me want to bite.”
“Trust me I know. I’m glad my wand was upstairs, I wanted to hex them so bloody badly.”
“Should have.”
“All we can do know is be there for Harry wherever we can. And that means putting up with them and how they treat him. We can’t take him away but -”
“We can show him that he’s loved.”
Remus kissed the side of Sirius’ head, “right up until we take him to 9 and ¾.”
“And beyond.”
~
It was Dudley that ran into him. Literally. Remus was at the supermarket buying far too much food for a single man the Wednesday after he and Sirius had moved in. They’d been living on take out for too long. Hence the trip. He was not, however, expecting to see the Dursleys and his godson on said trip. Sirius would be annoyed that he missed another opportunity to see Harry (lucky dog he was, he was able to stare all he wanted. Remus felt as though it wouldn’t be appreciated if he acted the same well).
“Hello there, Dudley.”
“Hi. I want that.” The boy pointed behind Remus, to a bag of chips, and Remus was stuck by how awful the boy was. How Petunia and Vernon had raised him and then Harry was beyond him.
Remus stepped out of the way and the boy all but lunged to the chips as Petunia and Harry walked round the corner. Harry was carrying the basket and clearly struggling with the weight of food Remus was sure he would not be allowed to eat. Silently, and with only a small tap of his wand (neatly hidden in an enlarged pocket on his pants), Remus cast a lightning spell. Harry stood up a little straighter. “Good afternoon,” Remus greeted politely.
“Remus, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. The supermarket is usually just mothers and teenage hooligans at this time.”
“Which is why I came at this time, I find mothers to be the best company,” Remus replied easily. Dudley stashed another packet of chips while his mother was looking away. Harry rolled his eyes. “How are you?”
“Good. Good. Dudley’s got a small party on Friday, so we’re buying some treats for his friends.”
“Birthday?”
Petunia shook her head, “just a little thing. The problem we’re facing is that our usual babysitter is out of town so we’re not sure where to put Harry.”
“He’s not invited.”
“Right,” Remus nodded at the boy. Harry didn’t look upset at not being invited, he didn’t even look resigned. If he had to guess he’d say that Harry was secretly pleased at skipping the party. Remus couldn’t blame him, he doubted that Dudley’s friends were very pleasant company. If the boy and his family were any indication. Remus turned back to Petunia, “how frustrating, to not have a reliable sitter.”
“Yes, it is!”
“Well, as I said. I’d be happy to help a neighbour out. And in return you can tell me how you get your flowers so bright!” Remus faked a laugh, becoming genuinely happy when Petunia seemed happy with the trade. As if Remus couldn’t get his flowers just as bright - he could make them sing or sprout from a person’s hand as well. Although he doubted that Petunia would be as happy with that trade.
When Remus left the shop, he left with the knowledge that Harry would be over on Friday at four until nine. Sirius would be happy - after his justified outburst over the treatment Harry faced. Remus would have to go back into town, pick up some food and games suitable for children. Sirius would also be happy with that. He also left with a lollipop in one hand. It disappeared rather quickly and Remus was sure it found its home in a certain coat pocket.
“Harry’s coming on Friday for five hours.”
“Fuck yes!” A pause - a crash - and then Sirius bounding down the stairs, fully human and fully naked. “Do you think it’s too early to show him his room?”
“Considering it’s a bare room right now? Yes. We can wait until we have him over for the night. Now, can you please put on some pants?”
“Why would I?”
Vernon kept glaring at Harry and Harry wasn’t sure why. Because he had been born? Or because he was at their house? Really, there could be a variety of reasons. And Harry found that on that day he didn’t care. Because he was going to Remus’ house and that put him in a very good mood. Remus who snuck him sweets and chocolate and who had a lovely (magical) dog and who Harry was fairly certain was important. At least to Harry.
“And if we hear one word of misbehaving or carrying on like you normally do then I promise you, the cupboard will start to look very nice from where you’re sleeping.”
“Okay.”
After sneering at Harry again, Vernon knocked on the door. Inside, Padfoot barked. It only took Remus a few moments to open the door, smiling widely at the two of them. “Come on in.”
“I’ll leave him,” Vernon replied, not following Harry into the foyer. “If he gives you any trouble then send him back. Behave. Thank you.”
“I was expecting a hello at least,” Remus shrugged as he closed the door. “Hello, Harry, how are you?”
“Good. How are you, Mr. Lupin?”
“Remus is quite alright, Harry.”
Harry frowned slightly, Vernon had made sure he knew how to be as polite as possible. It had not been a lesson that Dudley had been involved with. But Remus didn’t seem to be lying. And he had said that Harry could call him Remus at dinner as well. So maybe he could call him Remus. Harry thought that he would like to call him Remus. It almost made him more important than he felt.
Padfoot came into the foyer, nudging Harry. He laughed, rubbing the dog’s nose before wrapping him up in a hug. He pulled back quickly, suddenly very afraid that he had done something wrong and was about to face an angry Remus. Padfoot was not happy with this, pushing himself back into Harry. Who accepted the hug when he saw that Remus didn’t look unhappy at all. Quite the opposite, actually.
“Feel free to take your coat and shoes off. Get comfortable.”
“Mrs Figg makes me keep my shoes on.”
“Mrs Figg sounds stupid,” Remus counted making Harry laugh. He found that Remus was very good at making him laugh. As if his house was a place for laughs. The two of them and Padfoot made their way to the sitting room - Harry now sans coat and shoes. It was completely unpacked but there were still stacks of books everywhere and all of the bookcases were a mess of papers and books and (what looked like) scrolls. There were picture frames up but they were all empty aside from one of Remus and Padfoot at the beach beside the TV.
“I hope pizza is alright for dinner, and I have some chocolate ice cream for afterwards.”
“Pizza?”
Remus nodded, “is that alright?”
Harry didn’t want to seem ungrateful. Not at all. Inside he was very happy, he liked pizza. A lot. But was never allowed it with his aunt and uncle. They always gave all of it to Dudley and left Harry with whatever he could find in the fridge. Harry also knew, however, that Remus had been told that Harry couldn’t have pizza or ice cream. Which meant that he either didn't care if Harry got sick or he knew that his guardians had lied to him. Harry didn’t think Remus was the type to get Harry sick on purpose.
“Yes, that’s good.”
“I’ve gotten my VHS set up but I only have a handful of tapes.”
“I don’t mind what we watch, Remus.”
If it wasn’t so quick, Harry would think he saw Remus look sad at his words. “You pick, I’ve got a documentary on coin making or a live recording of the opera?” Harry opened and closed his mouth. He was about to tell Remus to pick when he laughed and kept going “or I went and got a whole lot of Disney movies? Padfoot’s favourite is The Wizard of Oz.”
“I’ve never seen that one,” Harry replied. He didn’t say that he would much rather watch a Disney movie than the other one. It seemed like a rude thing to say.
“Would you like to?”
Harry nodded. “How does a dog have a favourite?”
“He’s magical?” Remus guessed and Harry nodded again. That seemed to be the most reasonable answer. Especially when Padfoot took the movie in question out of Remus’ hands and put it by the TV in the corner. “Well, we can watch that later. After dinner. I also went and bo-found these games I thought we could play?”
“What games?”
Remus held up a big bag, “wanna find out?”
Harry really, really, liked Remus.
~
There were people coming over and Harry hated it. Once a year Petunia and Vernon hosted a Privet Drive dinner where they invited everyone on their street - so long as they were ‘normal’ enough. The night itself would usually be fine, Harry simply sent to the cupboard and told to be silent. But the day was the worst. A list of chores the size of Harry’s arm was set down in front of him. From sweeping to washing the windows to weeding to making the appetizers. Harry was expected to do all of it - alone.
Luckily the Dursleys left mid-morning, which left Harry to work alone and without the pressure and fear of being watched.
“Remus,” Petunia turned to Harry just before six that night, “is coming tonight. Which means you need to be there to greet the guests before you go to your cupboard.”
Vernon started going on about behavior and expectations. Harry knew when to nod and when to agree without having to actively listen to him. He wasn’t stupid, he knew that Vernon would find something wrong with Harry. No matter what he did, the morning would bring punishment. “And we expect that you leave quickly, you are not actually invited tonight but the neighbors need to see you. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“Good,” Vernon sneered at Harry before stalking off when the doorbell rang.
Harry stayed mainly in the kitchen. Most people were in the sitting room, which meant he was hidden around the wall. People praised how helpful he was as he helped Petunia put out the plates he had made. He let people ruffle his hair and laugh about how messy it was - as if anyone could fix that - and ask about school. Petunia occasionally whispered to behave and Vernon outright ignored him.
One of the last to arrive was Remus. Harry watched him, peering round the wall, as he hung up his coat and greeted Petunia. It didn’t take long for him to spot Harry, and when he did his smile became bigger and he made his way over. The two of them standing in the doorway of the kitchen and hall. “Evening.”
“Hi, Remus.”
“Enjoying the party?”
“Yeah?”
Remus laughed, “it does seem like a rather dull affair. Nothing like the parties Padfoot and I used to go to.”
“You took your dog to a party?” Harry asked, “did he like it?”
“More than I did. Here,” Remus reached into his pockets and pulled out the chapter book Harry had started at his house. Harry was not sure how the book fit in his pocket. “I forgot to give it to you.”
“It’s your book.”
“Consider it a loan, then. You can give it back to me when it’s done. And, in payment, tell me about it.” Remus, Harry had decided, was a very trustworthy adult. So he took the book, stepped around Remus, opened the cupboard door slightly and placed it on his bed. When he turned back the man was looking at the door strangely. Harry realised his mistake and was about to say something, not wanting anything to go wrong with Remus or Vernon, when Remus spoke. “My favorite character is Abigail. If you want to go and read it, away from the party, I’ll make sure to mention that I saw you.”
Remus knew things that he shouldn’t know. Like how Harry was desperate to leave the party where people thought he was a bad kid and who liked to ask if he missed his parents. Or how his aunt and uncle lied. Or that Harry slept in the cupboard under the stairs and didn’t have any books of his own. Or that he had to share everything when Dudley didn’t. However, Harry was almost certain that Remus was on his side.
And that the man had a magic dog.
“I still think that kidnapping him is the best option.”
“Maybe.”
“A cupboard! Remus, a cupboard!”
Remus nodded, “I’m aware. You know that I would take Harry if I could, of course I would, but we can’t. Not only does Albus have wards on Harry, he will have the trace. Plus I do think that Petunia or Vernon would notice him missing even if it was just because he wasn’t making them breakfast. We’d be found instantly and you’d end up in Azkaban for all of the charges against you and I’d probably be executed. We’re no help to Harry dead.”
“Fuck. I know.”
“And I know that you know that. It’s a shit situation no matter which way you look at it. Tea?”
“Please.” The kettle on and bags in mugs, Remus walked around to stand behind Sirius sitting on a bar stool. He wrapped his arms around Sirius’ waist and leant his head on his shoulder, kissing his neck. “Love you, Moony.”
Smiling against his neck, Remus replied the sentiment. “You’re amazing, did you know that?”
“Not as brilliant as you, Love.”
“Flatterer.”
Sirius grinned. “I don’t need to flatter you, my moon, I’ve got you.”
“That’s how a relationship dies.”
“Well then, let me sing your praises,” Sirius answered quickly and Remus laughed. “I love your laugh. Kettle’s boiled.”
Remus hummed, “don’t want to move.”
“I want some tea!”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Here I am wanting to hold my lover and there he is, sending me away from his embrace for some bloody tea.”
“Anyone who thinks I’m the drama queen in this relationship.”
Stepping away, Remus huffed and rolled his eyes. “Sirius Black, calling somebody else a drama queen.”
“It’s all those romance novels you pretend that you don’t read!”
“I like you better as a dog.”
“No you don’t.”
Remus shrugged, “no, I don’t.”
~
“How are you feeling?” Sirius asked, brushing his fingers across Remus’ forehead.
“Six years. Six years and the wolf still calls for James.” At Sirius’ crestfallen expression Remus sighed. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have -“
“No, love. You don’t have to pretend that you’re not still hurting over it. We do that and we’re doomed,” Sirius replied sincerely. Remus squeezed Sirius’ hand. He was hurting, the older he got the worse the transformations got. But he had Sirius by his side like every transformation since he was fifteen and they’d come to him with this crazy idea. He was sure that if he hadn’t had Sirius all these years he’d never had made it. “I’ll make you some tea and bring you some chocolate and we can watch that black and white movie you’ve been going on about.”
“You’re the best.”
Sirius waved him off, disappearing out of their bedroom. The site they used for the transformations wasn’t far but the side-along still took a lot out of Remus. Lord knows he couldn’t apparate after a full moon. But he never needed to. Sirius always there to bring him straight to their bed. Content to watch over him as Remus slept off some of the pain. Happy to ferry him tea and chocolate and toast the day after. Sirius never failed to amaze Remus.
“Saw Harry outside, weeding the gardens.”
Remus took the cup with a grimace. He’d been in bed all day and didn’t know the time but he knew it was well after six. No child should be alone in the garden after six. Especially not in winter and in the awful coat Harry had. Remus was thankful he was so good at heating charms. That coat, along with the majority of Harry’s things was completely beyond use. It worried the both of them. How was he treated behind closed doors?
“He’s still young enough to like soft toys, isn’t he?” Sirius continued. Remus half-nodded and half-shrugged. “I thought we could get him a stuffed stag. For here, of course. But it’ll be something even if he doesn’t know it at first.”
“I think that’s a great idea. And I think that you’re a giant softie.”
“It’s punk-rock to care about kids.”
“Of course it is, darling. Now come and cuddle me while we watch this French movie.”
“It’s not even in English!”
Remus laughed. “It’s not punk-rock to whine.”
Harry was a smart kid. He knew a lot of things. Like maths and history and science and that dogs can’t eat chocolate but some have favorite movies and enjoy parties. Or how to make his life marginally better. “I unpacked some of his boxes in the garage.”
“At least he’s been useful. Lupin might not mind if we ship him off to him more.”
Please, Harry thought, please do that. He felt a little bad, lying about Remus to spend more time with Remus. But Harry knew that his aunt and uncle didn’t like him - and that they didn’t like him being happy. So they wouldn’t send him to Remus if he was happy there. Harry had figured that out on his own. Which led him to lying to his aunt and uncle about what he did when he went to Remus’ the second time. Their time was not spent unpacking, but baking a batch of cookies and then colouring in pictures with actual paint and then listening to music while reading to Padfoot.
“I’ve already arranged for him to go back next Friday from five until ten again. We can have a family night,” Petunia smiled at her family. The ones allowed in the living room anyway.
“Good. How much are we paying for him to be out of our house?”
“Nothing. Remus hasn’t said anything so I haven’t.”
Vernon nodded. “Good. Boy! Where is my dessert?”
Harry couldn't wait for Friday.
~
“I’m happy to make this a standing Friday night thing, if that’s something you’d be interested in.”
“I’ll ask Vernon what he thinks.”
Harry couldn’t have been happier.
~
If there was one thing that Harry looked forward to, it was Friday night. He’d be taken to Remus’ house as soon as possible and left there as late as possible. The Dursleys wanted him gone and Harry wanted to be gone. A Win-win situation. And it did seem that Remus wanted him there as well.
At Remus’ Harry was allowed to do all sorts. He wasn’t expected to clean or cook or do jobs for Remus. In fact, he was practically not allowed to. They often cooked together, but it was always fun and Remus had promised Harry that he was allowed to wander off whenever he wanted. To go and play while Remus continued with their food, and that Harry would never do anything that wouldn’t allow him dinner.
“I did my spelling test today.”
“I completely forgot to ask you how it went. So, how did it go?”
“My teacher said I’m doing better than my class! I got all twenty of them right. Even the extra-challenge word.”
Remus hi-fived Harry. “That’s brilliant. Well done. Do you have the test? We can put it on the fridge if you want to.”
“I do,” Harry nodded. He liked it when his tests and pictures went up on the fridge. Dudley’s work did at his house but not Harry’s. Remus always put Harry’s work up. “But,” Harry swallowed his mouthful of corn, “the principle is meeting with my aunt next Tuesday. They said that I pushed one of Dudley’s friends again but I didn’t! He just fell over and they’re blaming me.”
“I can’t believe that you would, Harry. I suspect that he did just fall.”
“They say that I’m a broken child because my mum and dad are dead.”
“Who does?”
“All of them.”
Remus frowned. Instinctively Harry began panicking, trying to think over what he could have done to make him angry. Before he could figure it out, Remus spoke again. “Can I tell you something, Harry? I’m like you. My parents are dead as well, and my mother died when I was very little. That doesn’t make us broken or different. It just means that we had a sadness others didn’t and that’s not fair and it hurts but we’re not wrong for it. And it can take time to realise that. I didn’t truly understand until I met y-padfoot.”
“You’re an orphan as well?”
“I guess I am. Yes.”
Harry climbed off his seat and moved around to Remus’s chair before clambering up onto his lap. He knew that, at seven, he was a little old to sit in laps. But thinking about his parents always made him sad. And Remus also seemed sad at the thought. So, perhaps a hug for both of them was in order. Harry was right, of course, and he figured that out when he started crying into Remus’ neck very suddenly and all Remus did was hold him tighter and rub his back.
“Do you think my mum and dad watch me?”
“I think that, even if they couldn’t, they’d find a way to. Nothing would stop the two of them from watching over you.”
“Do you think they’d like me?”
Remus smiled at Harry, “they’d be absolutely delighted with how you turned out. You brilliant, smart, caring and wonderful boy.”
“I think your mum would be happy too.”
“I’m glad you think that,” Remus replied. Padfoot, who had left his bed and was sitting beside them, huffed. “You know what, I think it’s time that Pads and I gave you a little present. Do you want to go and grab it, Pads?”
“A present?” Harry asked as the dog raced out of the room and up stairs. “For me?”
“For you. You can keep it here or sneak it across the road, it’s up to you, it’s yours,” Remus promised. Harry thought of the Dursley’s reactions if they were to find a present for Harry. It wouldn’t be very nice - that much he knew. Padfoot came back into the room, now carrying a red and gold gift bag the size of Harry’s head in his mouth. It was stuffed with something, the sides bulging. Remus took the bag from Padfoot and put it on the table in front of them. “Go on then.”
Inside the bag was a soft toy. Harry had never had a soft toy. He peered into the bag, smiling in delight at the stag. He struggled for a bit, pulling it out while saying “his - his prongs are stuck!” Harry didn’t understand why Padfoot left the room. Remus told him not to mind that, with tears in his eyes. Harry got the stag out, clutching him to his chest. “Thank you so much!”
There was something familiar about the stag. Harry had felt the same feeling when meeting Remus and Padfoot for the first time. He knew the stag, knew the two of them. Of course, Harry knew that he didn’t actually know any stags or Remus or the magic dog. But it seemed like he did. Or that he should. It was a very peculiar feeling to have. But not one that was unwelcomed even if it didn't make much sense.
“You are very much welcome. What are you going to name him?”
“Prongs because they got stuck on the bag.”
“Prongs,” Remus repeated softly, “because they got stuck on the bag.”
“Is it, is it good?” Harry asked, suddenly rather unsure. Padfoot came back into the room and sat beside them again.
Remus nodded, “it’s a wonderful name. A positively, absolutely, marvelous and amazing name for him to have.”
“Yes. I think so. And his favourite flower is a lily.”
“That’s perfect as well,” Remus muttered before gently placing Harry on the ground. “Excuse me, love. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Harry watched him go in worry. Remus wasn’t happy anymore, and had left with a sad face like Padfoot. Had he done something that made Remus angry or upset? Were both of them annoyed at Harry? Before he could worry anymore, Padfoot bounced up, placed his front feet on the table and tried to snatch at their dinner plates. Harry told him off, pushing at him and giggling when Padfoot succeeded in taking a piece of Remus’ chicken.
“I leave for a moment and Padfoot causes a ruckus!” Remus shook his head, walking back into the room. “What a silly dog he is. What should I do with him?”
“Make him eat dog food.”
Remus scrunched up his nose. “I don’t even want that in the house. Disgusting!”
“Oh! We can watch 101 dalmatians again.”
Padfoot snorted in annoyance. Remus had told Harry that 101 dalmatians was Padfoot’s least favorite movie. Much to Harry’s annoyance as he found that he quite liked it. The only time they’d watched it Padfoot had spent the entire time huffing and snorting as if to let them know he was still unhappy but refused to leave whenever Remus suggested it.
“I suppose we could. And, because he got his doggy paws on our dinner, I guess I can’t ask you to eat any more of your vegetables.”
“Oh no.”
Remus laughed, “so we have to go straight to dessert.”
“I am so sad.”
“Funny. Go put the movie on, whatever you want, and I’ll get us some pudding.”
Harry and Padfoot (and Prongs) wandered into the living room. There were a pile of books that both nearly walked into and the desk in the corner was covered in papers with funny little symbols that Remus told him were made up for a book he was editing. Harry thought they looked rather cool. He went to get 101 dalmatians from the ‘Harry’s pile’ pile of tapes but his hand hovered over the Cinderella VHS. They’d watched it the week before last, but Harry absolutely loved the tale.
“Can we watch Cinderella again?” He asked when Remus came back carrying two bowls of cake and custard.
“Of course. Whatever you want.”
“Yeah, but do you like it?”
It took him a moment to answer. “Yes, Harry. I do. And I think Padfoot does as well.”
“You can ask him after I go.”
“After?”
Harry nodded, “he doesn’t talk around me. I think he’s shy or that his voice is really funny and he doesn’t want me to know. So he only talks when it’s just you in the house.”
“You’re completely right, Harry. Very smart, to figure out why he doesn’t like talking.”
Padfoot barked. Remus and Harry laughing along.
~
There was a broken glass on the table and Harry couldn’t stop staring at it. It had been fine moments ago. Nothing had touched it and then it had simply exploded. He didn’t know if that was normal or not. Petunia seemed to think it was not normal and also extremely scary. It was only scary if all the glasses started exploding, Harry thought. Vernon had gone redder than he usually went so maybe it was something really bad. Harry couldn’t think what though.
“You stupid boy!” Vernon bellowed and then he hit him. Again. Maybe when Vernon hit him the first time he’d bumped the table and the glass had fallen and Harry just hadn’t noticed.
“We shouldn’t have let him in here,” Petunia started crying. “He’s just like them!”
“Just like your father, you are.” Vernon sneered. “No good freaks the lot of you.”
Harry didn’t understand. They often called him a freak but had never told Harry why they’d consider him different. So he never fully understood what was being referenced when his guardian got angry. Well, he didn’t understand some of it. The insults against himself and his father he very clearly understood. It was no secret that Harry wasn’t the only Potter hated at the Dursley resident. The third hit was harder than the last two and was the one that made Harry start to cry. Silently, of course.
“We’re leaving,” Vernon declared rather suddenly. “The three of us can stay with Marge for the weekend. We’ll come back tomorrow night. You can stay in your cupboard and think about what you’ve done here.”
He still didn’t know what he had done. But he went to his cupboard and hid in the relative safety it provided until he heard their car drive off. The three of them had rushed off - the TV still on and mugs of tea still full. Whatever Harry had done must have been bad. It was not the first time he’d been left home alone. It was, however, the first time Harry had actively wanted to do something about it.
They’d be furious. Angrier than they had been today. But, if they didn’t know then they wouldn’t. Couldn’t be. He’d be fine. As he sat in his cupboard, tears silently falling down his face, Harry could only think of Remus and Padfoot across the road. Remus gave such good hugs. Hugs that made Harry feel important and cared for. Hugs that were warm and they were more than just a silly old hug to Harry. Padfoot wasn’t great at cuddling back but he was great for cuddling. Like a giant soft toy.
Remus wouldn’t be angry at Harry for coming over. Would he? Harry didn’t think he would be angry. In the three and a half months they’d known each other Remus had never been angry at Harry.
But would this mess that all up?
No, Harry decided, Remus was far too warm to be angry over this. So he walked out his front door.
Three big knocks and three moments later and Harry was in. Remus pulled him in quickly, his eyes on the red marks across Harry’s face. He’d know for certain now but Harry suspected he’d known for a long time. Before words were shared Remus had knelt down and wrapped Harry in a hug that he had longed for in his cupboard. Padfoot wrapped himself around the two of them as well. Encasing Harry in a way that almost hurt in its loveliness.
“What happened?” Remus asked once they were in the living room with hot chocolate even though it was coming into summer. Harry was sitting on the floor, leaning against Padfoot instead of the sofa.
“Uncle Vernon was really mad at me,” Harry explained as he thread his fingers through Padfoot’s fur. “A glass broke.”
“Did he hit you Harry? Because the glass broke?”
Harry shook his head, “it was because his toast was burnt. Then the glass broke but no one touched it. It just exploded. He hit me again because of that. But I didn’t touch it!”
There was a long pause. Remus didn’t look mad or annoyed at Harry. It was strange, how for years Harry had been afraid of people finding out that his aunt and uncle didn’t like him but here he was - telling Remus what happened with no doubts in his mind. Remus looked out the window, and then at Padfoot, and then at his books. Then back to Harry with a sad smile, “I believe you, Harry. What your uncle did was wrong. No one deserves to be hit, even if the adults in your life say that you do. Do you understand that?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Good. What happened after he hit you? Did you run out?”
“No. They sent me to my cupboard and they left until tomorrow evening. Said I was a no good freak, just like my father.”
Remus winced. “I am so, so sorry that happened. You don’t deserve them one bit. But, if you want to, we can use this weekend to show you something?”
“Show me what?” Padfoot wiggled, forcing Harry to sit up so the dog could jump up and go stand at the foot of the stairs. Remus stood, motioning for Harry to as well. “Is it upstairs?”
“Yes, besides my bedroom.”
“I’ve never been upstairs.”
“Have you not?” Remus asked, “I thought you had.”
Harry shrugged, “I didn’t know if I was allowed to or not.”
The three of them started climbing up the stairs, Padfoot bounding ahead and waiting on the landing. Along the wall where more empty picture frames. At first Remus had said that he couldn’t find the pictures, then he said that Padfoot ate them and then he had admitted that the pictures were actually magic but he’d forgotten the spell to get them back after Padfoot vanished them by accident. Harry had tried every spell he could think off but it hadn’t worked. He’d asked what the pictures had been before they were vanished and Remus had said that they were of Padfoot, him and their old friends.
“You’re welcome anywhere in the house, Harry.”
“I’m only allowed upstairs to clean at my house.”
Upstairs at Remus’ house was smaller than at Harry’s. But the skylight let in more light than at Harry’s. There were three doors; one directly opposite the stairs which was open to show a small bathroom. Then, to the right of the stairs was a small hallway that looked down over the foyer and held two doors. The first one was of little interest; closed, plain white and had nothing on it. The second one, however, was much more interesting. It was also white and closed but it had a name plate stuck to it.
‘Harry’s Room’
It took some time for Harry to fully understand what he was looking at. Remus stepped forward, pushing the door open silently. Inside was a bedroom - and it was definitely not Remus’ bedroom. There was a chest of drawers, a toy chest and a small bookcase that was already filled with books. There was a red rug in the center and a dark gold armchair to the right of the door. A desk under a window with red and gold curtains and across from that, a twin sized bed. The bed covers were a deep red and the pillows and throw blanket were gold, with Prongs sitting against the pillows. Sitting in a vase on the bedside table was a bunch of lily flowers.
“I-”
“We hope it’s not too much,” Remus smiled at him. “But we thought you could have your own space here. Your own room.”
He looked around again. Padfoot knocked his shoulder gently and it was then Harry realised he had started crying. “It’s for me?”
“All for you.” Remus nodded. Harry wrapped his arms around Remus and sobbed into his torso. Remus hummed lightly as he hugged back. “I hope those are happy tears?”
“Super happy,” Harry’s reply was muffled.
“Have a look round and tell me if you want to change anything. Pads and I thought you might like it like this. The red and gold.”
Harry eventually detangled himself from Remus and had another look around. He stopped at the desk. There was a photo frame sitting in the center of it. As he looked at the man and woman hugging and smiling at the camera in the photo, Remus followed him over. “Who are they?”
“That, Harry, is a picture of James and Lily Potter the day they found out that Lily was pregnant.”
“My parents?”
“Your parents. You look a lot like your father, you know. I’ll see if I can find any photos of him when he was little like you.”
“How do you have this?”
Remus laughed, “magic. Now, I know that secrets are bad but-”
“I can’t tell my aunt and uncle.”
“I’m afraid that they would not take to the room as kindly as you have. So, if you want to use this room I would suggest not telling them.”
“Can I stay here tonight?”
“I would much rather that than you being alone in that house. I may also, if you wish, discuss the idea that you stay over on Friday nights with your aunt.”
Harry grinned at the older man. “Can’t I live here always?”
“Trust me, if I could have you here all the time I would but-”
“Then Padfoot would never be able to talk,” Harry interrupted. Remus looked confused for a moment before nodding slowly. “That’s okay. Maybe you could find a spell to change his voice so it’s not as silly? Then I could stay longer.”
“I - I can’t find an argument to that.”
“Do you have any more photos of my mum and dad?”
Remus looked at Padfoot. “I do indeed. Do you want to spend some time up here? I’m going to make some breakfast for us, and then we have all weekend to do whatever we want, sound good?”
Harry tilted his head and looked at Remus. Harry thought he was a strange man, but one who he liked a lot, and who liked Harry just as much back. He knew that Padfoot was magic - or at least a talking dog that could accidentally do spells that vanished pictures. He also knew that Remus knew a lot of things, believed in magic and had pictures of his parents. He was also aware of the oddities that happened at Remus’ house; the dishes being cleaned when no one was in the kitchen, the strange candy that Remus had, the odd books and scrolls that Remus had. There was something that he was missing and he couldn’t quite place it. Perhaps - “Remus?”
“Yes?” Remus asked, looking at Harry in amusement.
“Are you a witch?”
Remus laughed, “not quite.”
“I guess you don’t have an old hat so you can’t be a witch. Or a broom.”
“Your dad had a broom. He was an excellent flyer.”
Harry frowned, “are you making fun?”
“No.” Remus said and Harry did believe him. “I never liked flying on brooms.”
“I think you’re a witch.”
Remus laughed again, “you’re very close. Or shut it, Pads,” he tapped the huffing dog’s nose while still laughing. “You’re one smart kid, Harry Potter. Just like your mother.”
Okay, so Remus not only had a photo of his parents but had known them. He said as much to the man who nodded. “I did. If you want, I can tell you about them?”
“I’d really like that. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Pads and I thought it would be good to let you get used to us before we told you that we knew your parents. We didn’t want to scare you away or make you uncomfortable.”
“Silly,” Harry scolded. Why would he feel that way to the man (and dog) who could tell him about his parents. Remus apologised and Harry shrugged. “Remus? Did you know that I was across the road when you came here?”
There was a pause before Remus nodded slowly. “We’ve been looking for you for a long time. I’m sorry it took us so long to find you.”
“You came looking for me?” Harry asked and Remus nodded again. Harry smiled up at him, it was almost comical to think that these two would actively search Harry out. What did he have to offer? Why would they? But they had and then Remus had organised it so Harry could spend time with them. It created a warmth that Harry was not used to flare up in his stomach. “Could you tell me about them today?”
“Come down to breakfast and I’ll tell you about the time your dad fell into a lake trying to impress your mum.”
Well. How could Harry say no to that? He followed Remus back down stairs, delighted to find that all of the pictures had been replaced. Remus, his parents and a man that Harry didn’t know littered the walls - and occasionally others were in them. A smiling blonde with her arm around a black woman’s shoulders. A man with a wooden leg frowning at laughing James and the man Harry didn’t know. A big group photo with a range of people in a line including his parents and Remus. His mother sitting with the two women and reading thick books. Lots of Remus and the man. And, on the fireplace mantle there were three frames; one with his parents, the man and Remus with a tiny baby; one with his parents holding a baby in a hospital room; one with the man and Remus holding a baby wearing a hat with prongs on it.
“Those are my favorites,” Remus said. “I didn’t have many pictures of you.”
“That’s me?”
“Oh yes, I have some more that I can get out.”
Harry stroked the picture containing him and his parents. “I didn’t know they loved me.”
“Oh, Harry. They adored you. We all did.”
“Who’s that?”
“Sirius. My boyfriend.”
“Where is he?”
Remus shook his head, “that’s a long story. Why don’t we go and have some toast? I can tell you about them. Whatever you want to know.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.”
“Hi, Remus!”
Remus looked down at Harry in amusement. “Afternoon. Number 8 invited me over for dinner next Friday. To celebrate my ‘two year anniversary’.”
“Mr Mulins is cheating on his wife with his boss's daughter.”
“How do you know that?”
Harry looked up from his homework, “book club was talking about it while I served them tea.”
“Well, now I kind of want to go over just to meet him.”
“He’s ugly.”
Remus laughed as he started unloading the groceries. He tossed a packet of biscuits onto the kitchen table where Harry was sitting. “When did you get into my house, anyway?”
“Ugh. Dudley was being awful so I left early. I told Petunia that you were home. She was happy to have me gone.”
“Glad to see the key’s working then. I wanted to talk about tomorrow.” Suddenly, Remus had Harry’s full attention. No surprise there. “I have you until nine pm, which means we have all day to do whatever you want. I was thinking we could head somewhere different, maybe we could go into London?”
“Really?”
Remus hummed, “it’s about an hour and half. Anything you want to do?”
“What about Padfoot?”
Right. That. Remus looked at the dog in question. The two of them had plans for Harry’s 9th birthday which luckily fell on a Saturday - meaning that they had him. Their plans for the morning of Harry’s 9th meant that Harry would not need to factor in a dog to his birthday plans. Padfoot didn’t move or make any indication that he had an idea on how Remus should handle the question.
“Just, uh, think about what you want to do and we can work it out. I bought that frozen pie that you like for dinner.”
“Yum.”
“You and Padfoot have the same taste.”
“Brilliant, you mean.”
Remus frowned at the pie in his hands. “Sure.”
~
“Happy Birthday, Harry!”
“I’m nine now!”
“That you are. How big you’re getting!” Remus agreed. Harry was still in bed, but had given Remus strict instructions to wake him up at six so that he could open his presents (of which he had a few. Sirius plus a mail order catalogue plus the Black family bank fault left Harry with a truck load of presents to open (Remus found it easy to justify, they were making up for six missed birthdays and supplying presents from them and the Potters)). Remus was truly awful at saying no to the boy so there they were. He went and sat on the edge of the bed, Padfoot following to sit in front of the nightstand, and grinned at the boy.
He was wearing the pajamas they’d gotten him three months before. The Gryffindor lion stuck onto the red and gold shirt. Sirius insisted; proclaiming the more they loaded him with Gryffindor now the more chance he had to get into their house. Reminding Sirius of his own experience with family house pride only resulted in Sirius ordering another Gryffindor pillow to be placed on the armchair in Harry’s room.
“What time is it?”
“I came in at six, as promised. Breakfast?”
“Presents?”
Remus laughed lightly. “Breakfast first, I want to tell you something before you open the presents.” They’d been planning this day for so long. Well before they met Harry, although the plan for today had been concocted after they realised what they were dealing with. It was a struggle to keep the secret for so long, but both agreed that Harry needed to be old enough to deal with what he was going to be told - both abou this lineage and the fact that his favourite pet dog was actually a man. It was going to be an awkward conversation. One in which Remus would be having alone. At least until Harry understood.
“Can I stay in these?” He gestured to his pajamas.
“Sure.”
They all got up, Harry clutching (a well loved) Prongs, and headed downstairs. Harry happily chattering away about everything he wanted to do now that he was nine. Remus tried to quell some of the bigger ideas like driving a car. Harry, as expected, did not listen to any of the realism that Remus tried to impart. In the kitchen Padfoot pushed one of the chairs away from the table and Harry sat at what was dubbed his seat while Remus pulled out the eggs and bacon Harry had asked for.
One thing that Remus was glad for was how easy going Harry was. He never questioned the oddities that Remus brought. Never thought it was strange that Padfoot was nothing like a real dog. He’d never questioned why or how Remus knew his parents and why he had followed him to Surrey. He seemed to take everything in stride. So, explaining everything might not be as big of a challenge as it could be. It was, however, a daunting task. Who could blame him if he cooked a bit slower than normal? It wasn’t like Harry was aware, he was still happily talking to Padfoot.
Eventually he couldn’t put it off any longer. Bringing three plates over he set them down - two on the table and one on the floor. Another thing Harry didn’t look twice at; the fact that the dog ate with the humans and what the humans were eating.
“Thank you, Moony.”
Remus’ heart swelled every time he heard Harry call him the silly nickname. Ever since he found out it was what his father called him, Harry had taken to calling him it. “You are very welcome. Excited for today?”
“Yeah! What did you get me?”
“You will have to wait and see, young man. But first-”
“We need to chat.”
Remus laughed as he nodded, Harry adopting a serious tone not fit for a nine year old. “I don’t want you to be scared - just listen for a moment, Harry, okay? I don’t want you to be scared or frightened. And I don’t want you to be angry at us either. And I’m sorry that we didn’t tell you straight away. We wanted to wait until you were a little older to explain.”
“What?”
“Before I say, I just want you to know that no matter what, Pads and I love you a lot. And if you decide you don’t want to see us or anything like that then we’ll support you in that.”
“Why would I do that?” Harry asked, looking nervous.
“Hopefully you don’t, but I need you to know it’s an option. We’d never hurt you or want you to be upset.”
Harry was still frowning, that hint of fear in his eyes. “Is it bad?”
“I met your parents and Sirius at school because we all went to the same boarding school, remember?” Remus asked and Harry nodded. “Well, the school we went to wasn’t a normal school. It was a school for wizards and witches.”
There was a pause as Remus let Harry take that in. Padfoot looked at him, apprehension clear in his eyes. Remus continued, and as he spoke he pulled out his wand “your parents and I went there because we’re wizards and witches. It’s why strange things happen here, it’s me doing magic.”
“Show me.”
Remus made their toast turn blue and then shot bubbles at the boy before finally presenting him a small bouquet of flowers.
“Huh.”
“We learnt to do all kinds of magic at school, Hogwarts. And, Harry, you’re magic as well.”
“I am?”
“Whenever something happens at your house that you can’t explain, I can explain it. Kids perform accidental magic sometimes. I’ve known for a long time, although it isn’t surprising because your parents were amazing. Smartest people I know.”
Harry looked absolutely mesmerized. At least this part was going well. “Smarter than you?”
“Your mum was, your dad,” Remus did a so-so motion with his hand and Harry laughed. “I hope you’re not upset or frightened with this?”
“No! It’s amazing! Do I get to go to Hogwarts?”
“When you’re eleven, yeah.”
“So Padfoot is a magic dog!”
And this was the part that Remus was dreading. Letting a kid know they were actually magical and that one of their guardians could do magic was nothing compared to this. “I want to say it again, that if you don’t want to be around us because of what I’m about to tell you then that is okay. Do you understand?” Remus asked and Harry nodded. “Padfoot isn’t a magical dog, Harry. He’s a magical person disguised as a dog. He’s actually Sirius, from the photos.”
Harry looked at Padfoot, at Remus, back at Padfoot and then back at Remus. “Your boyfriend is a dog.”
“When you come over, yes.”
“Why?”
“We couldn’t let your aunt and uncle see him or know about him and he didn’t want to not be around you. So we compromised.”
Another pause. “Can you become an animal?”
Well, that was a question wasn’t it? “No, not like Sirius. Me, your parents and Sirius were best friends. Sirius and I are your godfathers but after your parents died you were taken away from us so we followed you here. Your aunt and uncle knew who Sirius was because they met him at your parents wedding but left before they met me so I could be seen. Do you understand?” Remus asked, Harry nodded. His gaze flicking between Remus and Sirius. “I was the one who wanted to wait to tell you. Until you were old enough that I could explain everything to you.”
“So - Sirius is Padfoot?”
“Yes.”
“Why isn’t he human now? I know now.”
Remus looked at Sirius and then Harry, “are you okay with him being human now?”
“Yes? Can he turn back into the dog later?” Remus nodded. “I like laying on him, can I keep doing that?”
“Uh. Yeah.” Remus was shocked, the conversation was going so well. Harry didn’t even seem surprised at the revelation. What a peculiar yet wonderful child. “Sirius, do you want to-”
And there he was. For the first time in almost eight years the two of them were together as actual people. Sirius looked like he was about to cry. Harry looked a little confused, but not enough that Remus thought to worry. They looked at each other for some time, seeming to take each other in. Remus smiled to himself silently. Both of them looked so happy to see each other.
Before anyone could say anything Harry had stood and thrown himself into Sirius’ arms; his godfather catching him and wrapping him up in a way that Harry often insisted he was far too old for now. Today, he didn’t seem to mind very much. Sirius whispered something to Harry, which sounded a lot like ‘I love you’, before slowly setting him back down on the floor. He didn’t let go though, keeping his hands on Harry’s shoulders and not breaking his gaze.
“I have wanted to do that for a very, very long time.”
“Your voice isn’t as silly as I thought it was going to be,” Harry replied. Sirius nodded once and then started to cry. The two of them embracing again, Harry completely at ease with it all. “Are you going to stay a person now?”
“If that’s alright. I can become Padfoot whenever you want.”
“I think I’d like to be able to talk to you, and have you talk back.”
Sirius' smile was practically blinding. “I think I’d like that a lot as well.”
“Can I eat my toast even though it’s blue?”
“Yes,” Sirius nodded, “although it’ll give you a blue tongue and teeth.”
“Cool,” Harry was already reaching for his plate by the time Sirius had finished speaking.
Remus laughed, breaking the two of them out of their own world. A world that Remus was rather content simply observing. “You’re okay, Harry?”
“Yeah. I get a godfather and a pet dog in one. Most people have to have two separate things, so I’m pretty lucky,” Harry nodded; now eating his still blue toast. Where Sirius may usually resent being called a pet dog (he always complained when Remus gave him the title) he lit up at Harry. Clearly he was thrilled to be considered Harry’s pet-dog-slash-godfather in one. Remus couldn’t blame him. “Can I have my presents now?”
“What if I said your present was Sirius?”
Harry made a face, “I already had him.”
“Don’t listen to Remus, he’s teasing. Although, I’d have hoped you’d been a bit happier with me as a present.”
“Why would I want a present to be something I already had?”
Sirius tilted his head and shrugged, “I suppose. Oh, and because you know now, some of your presents are magical.”
“Really!”
“Truly,” Sirius nodded. Harry’s eyes widened and he clambered off his seat faster than Remus had ever seen before. Heading to the pile of presents in the living room. “Well, that went really well.” Remus hummed, the two of them following their godson hand-in-hand. He squeezed Sirius’ hand and leant into him.
Harry was holding a wrapped broom in his hands. “Am I going to be able to fly!?”
Sirius and Remus shared a look. Of course James Potter’s son would seek out the broom before anything else. Sirius nodded and said: “just like your dad.”
“This is amazing!”
“I,” Remus said sitting down, “am very happy that you feel that way. Why don’t we open your presents and then head into London for the day?”
“Can we fly?”
Remus looked at Sirius, who looked ready to say yes, and then back at Harry - at the scar on his forehead in particular. They couldn’t just take Harry out. He was to recognisable and Sirius would need to be in dog form - which wouldn’t work. Remus could hardly fly himself and was not about to teach Harry how to fly. Hell, the first time Harry had gone on a broom he’d concussed his father, broken a vase and chased the cat. That was definitely a job for Sirius. Once they found a location that worked.
“Maybe another day,” Sirius answered. “We need to find the best field for the best future quidditch player.”
“What’s quidditch?”
Presents forgotten, Harry sat with rapt attention as Sirius described quidditch, the different leagues, the different Hogwart teams and then stories from when he and James played quidditch. It was nice, to sit back and silently watch the two of them interact. He could see why Sirius liked to hang around in dog form. Simply watching them. There was something almost magical to it.
Just after seven that morning Harry was running up to his room to get changed (into a new outfit that Sirius had brought - a Chudley Cannons quidditch shirt charmed to look like a standard footie shirt) and Remus was left to clean up the mess of wrapping paper littering their living room. A pile of new clothes, books and toys - magical and muggle - sat in the doorway waiting to go upstairs.
Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus’ waist as he stood up. “That was amazing.”
“You’re amazing with him.”
“It’s so strange, actually speaking to him. I keep thinking that I’ve forgotten to transform and am about to cost us everything.”
“You haven’t and you wouldn’t. Like I said, you’re amazing with him. You’d never put that in jeopardy.”
Sirius kissed into Remus’ neck, he could feel the smile pressing on his skin. “I love you, and I love us. A little family.”
“Are you going to kiss all the time now?” They split apart, Harry was looking rather unimpressed in the doorway. “Are you? Because Padfoot’s a person now.”
“Maybe,” Sirius replied before rushing forward and wrapping Harry up, lifting him up above his head before bringing him down and kissing his cheeks. “That’s how your mum used to kiss me every time she saw me.”
“I’m too old for kisses!”
“Ah, yes, I forgot that you’re an old man now. My apologies,” he set Harry back down. “I suppose old men like you don’t want to go to London and have ice-cream and watch movies and -”
“Not that old!”
Remus grinned as he watched them. Sirius was, as he often was, undoubtedly right. They were a family.
Letters littered the entire house. A Hogwarts stamp on every one of them. Harry knew what they were - he also knew that he wasn’t supposed to know. The knowledge might not be real but the desire to open one of the letters was extreme. He couldn’t wait to read the words that’d send him to the school where his parents had gone. All four of them.
“That’s it!” Vernon bellowed. “We are leaving!”
“Why can’t I have my letters!”
“Do not speak to me like that. We are leaving this instance. You are not going to get that letter.”
He pulled open the door, about to usher the entire family out, but stopped at the sight. On their porch, hand in hand, where Sirius and Remus. Harry waved at them. Sirius waved back with the letter in his other hand.
“You!”
“Me,” Sirius nodded. “I have a present for Harry.”
“You’re-you’re-”
“Wizards, yes,” Remus nodded. “Just like Lily and James. Now, if we could give Harry his letter, that’d be grand.”
The Dursleys didn’t move. Sirius handed Harry the letter. Harry practically ripped it open before reading out loud. “Dear Mr Potter, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July. Yours sincerely, Minerva McGonagall.”
Remus and Sirius cheered. Petunia was paler than Harry had ever seen her and Vernon was going an odd shade of purple. “No. He is not going.”
“And who’s going to stop him?” Sirius asked, in a pleasant and friendly tone. “You?”
“Yes. As long as he is under my roof-”
“Well he won’t be,” Remus interrupted. “He’ll be under Hogwarts’ roof.”
“Don’t play smart with me.”
Remus laughed, he had the same cheerful tone as Sirius did. “I’m not playing. Harry will be going to Hogwarts and if that means we have to take him ourselves and not let him come back here then so be it. But Harry will be going.”
“Tell Harry the other news!”
The two men smiled at each other and then turned back to Harry. Remus held up another letter. “It seems as though Dumbledore has decided a ghost isn’t that good of a teacher and has a teaching position available.”
“What?” Harry beamed up at them. They were -
“And I don’t think there are any rules against professors having pet dogs.”
“You’re coming with me!”
“If you want us to,” Sirius replied with a grin. Harry raced forward, ducking under his uncle to get to them. The men caught him easily, hugging him in between the two of them. Harry couldn’t remember when he had been this excited. Not only was he going to Hogwarts but they were going as well. There weren’t words to describe how happy he was. “I think this means he wants us to.”
“Of course I do.”
Vernon made a noise similar to a bull. “If he goes to that blasted school he is not coming back here.”
Sirius and Remus looked at each, did that thing where they spoke silently, and then looked back down at Harry. Remus shrugged, “up to you, love. What do you want to do?”
Harry Potter was a week off turning eleven when he stepped out of the Dursleys house hand-in-hand with his godfathers. He didn’t turn back, not even to have a peek.