How to tame a Basilisk

Getting onto the Hogwarts express with Hermione, Neville and Ron in tow, Harry sees Malfoy and Theodore Nott getting on together as well. He frowns, why is Malfoy leaving Hogwarts for the Christmas Hols? Isn't his insane aunt still living at Malfoy Manor? And why in Merlin's name didn't he tell Harry? Maybe the Slytherin is just going home with Nott, after the memories Harry saw, he wouldn't be too surprised. Somehow that thought only manages to calm his nerves a tiny bit. It's probably the fear of Malfoy actually going to see his aunt over the holidays, nothing to do with what he might get up to with Nott if he goes back to spend time with him.

After securing an empty compartment, they settle in for the long ride back to London, but are interrupted when soon Ginny and Luna join them. Both of them staring at Harry like always, though for vastly different reasons, it makes Harry equally uncomfortable. Right after the two girls arrive, there's another knock on the door and Fred and George join in, filling the compartment to the brim.

''Hey Harrykins, so...''

''...back to that Muggle family of yours for the holidays?'' Fred and George grin, making Harry wince as he imagines the horrors of a Christmas spent with the Dursley's.

''Nah.'' Harry quickly denies, ''Actually, I wanted to talk about that with you all...'' he starts, looking at every present Weasley in turn. ''I- well I told Professor McGonagall that I was spending Christmas with you guys, at the Burrow.'' he explains to the surprise of the rest of the compartments attendants. ''I meant to tell you earlier, just with the whole thing before Christmas...'' he gazes at Ron, who winces at the reminder of their fight.

''Mate, no worries, I get why you didn't, sorry again.'' he mumbles sheepishly.

''Nice to know you get it Ronald...'' Fred starts.

''...but we don't actually get why you'd tell Minnie that?'' George finishes his sentence, both raising an eyebrow in unison.

''Yeah, about that...'' Harry nervously scratches his neck, ''You can't tell anyone, but I'm going to spend Christmas with my godfather and his friend Remus Lupin.'' he grins widely.

His friends all gasp at that announcement and begin questioning Harry about Sirius and why he felt the need to lie.

''See, Sirius is still on probation, and I didn't want to risk Dumbledore forbidding me to go and see him because of that...'' Harry explains then proceeds to tell them all the story about Sirius and his parents and how he actually was wrongfully imprisoned. Everybody listens to him intently, the details of Sirius' aquittal still news to them, as the Prophet did it's best to keep more of the incriminating parts regarding the Ministry's failures a secret.

After finishing the tale Fred and George look at each other excitedly, then turn their imploring gazes back on Harry ''So, if Sirius and Lupin were your father's best friends...''

''…does that mean they were also part of the Marauders?'' they ask exhilarated.

''The what?'' Ron asks confused, to the questioning nods of the rest of Harry's friends, except for Luna.

Fred and George seem confused at Harry's friends' lack of knowledge too for a second, before they knowingly grin at Harry ''Oh, you know, the Marauders...'' George begins, and Harry fears for a second that they will expose the secret of the map, but Fred thankfully continues ''...They were known mischief makers back in the seventies, we know Harry's dad was one of them. They're basically our heroes.'' the twins both grin at the rest of the compartment.

Harry gratefully nods ''Yeah, they were part of that as well.'' he smiles at the excited faces of the Weasley twins.''They're Padfoot and Moony actually. Pettigrew was Wormtail...'' he trails off.

''Fuck that rat!'' Fred exclaims and George nods enthusiastically, Ron shuddering at the reminder of the true identity of his pet rat.

''Hey! Maybe we can get our parents to agree to come and visit you?'' George smiles widely.

''Yeah! We'd love to meet your uncles!'' Fred adds excitedly.

Harry thinks about that for a moment, when Hermione pipes up ''Oh, I would love to get to meet them too Harry! I actually meant to ask you all if you wanted to meet up over the holidays, since we are all going to be at home.'' Neville agrees happily.

Harry is almost convinced, when Luna chimes in ''I won't be able to come, sadly. Daddy and I are going to look for nests of crumple-horned Snorkacks.'' she explains dazedly.

''Right...'' Harry tears his gaze from the unusual girl, if Luna won't come, there won't be a risk of her saying anything to make Sirius or Remus suspicious, so ''I guess we could ask the adults. Yeah, let's do it! I'd love to see you all during the holidays!'' he grins at his delighted friends.

Arriving at King's Cross the lot of them make their way out of the train and are immediately met by Molly Weasley, fussing over her children. When she spots Harry he is engulfed in a big motherly hug,

''Oh Harry! It is so nice to see you again! Ginny has been writing about you all year!'' she exclaims, Ginny turning red while Ron snickers. ''Are you visiting your family over Christmas, dear?''

Harry nods, smiling at the Weasley matriarch. ''Yes, Mrs. Weasley, actually I am meeting them outside, so...''

She beams at him and proceeds to guide all of the Weasley children and Harry out onto the Muggle platform. Harry is glad that whoever might have seen him, will think he's actually visiting the Weasleys as he trails after the red-haired family. Outside he makes his excuses and finds Remus waiting in front of the entrance to King's Cross, happily waving Harry over.

''Harry! It is so great to see you!'' The man greets him gently.

Harry immediately hugs Remus, glad to once again see him alive and well, the months of clean housing and regular meals clearly having had an auspicious effect on the once ragged-looking werewolf.

Remus chuckles as Harry breaks away from the hug ''Sirius is still at home, putting on the finishing touches to the place.'' he explains as they start walking. ''It's not so far away from here, so I thought we could just take a short stroll. We have started renovating as soon as Sirius was freed, but the house is still in pretty bad shape.'' Remus tells Harry.

''Don't worry about that.'' Harry tries to reassure him ''I'm just happy to be spending Christmas with you, I don't care how the place looks.'' he smiles up at Remus, who seems very relieved and happy at Harry's obvious excitement to meet his godfather.

The rest of the way Remus tells Harry about the progress he's making in the Potter family vault. Apparently it actually seems like some things are missing. Remus explains that he started with the books in the vault and is almost finished by now, but that he can't seem to find the Potter heritage book anywhere. At Harry's confused look, he tells him that Sirius could probably explain that book better, as he's a pure-blood just like James was and that heritage books are something all old pure-blood families apparently have.

Arriving at Grimmauld Place, with a wave of Remus' wand the number 12 becomes visible between the houses 11 and 13. Harry fakes astonishment at the sight of a whole house emerging from nothing and then the door opens and Sirius comes running out. He stops right in front of Harry, seeming unsure of how to approach his godson. Harry spares him the decision and embraces Sirius in a tight hug that the man reciprocates after a second of surprise.

Turning to go back inside the house, Sirius watches Harry in amazement. ''I'm sorry about the state of this. It's my ancestral home and since my mother died nobody has been here.'' he starts explaining embarrassedly while Harry takes in the familiar entrance with the troll-leg umbrella-stand and the shut curtains in front of Walburga Black's portrait.

''I already told Remus, I really don't mind.'' he smiles at his godfather. ''As long as I get to see you both I'm happy.''

Sirius looks very touched at that proclamation and gets a little teary-eyed. He clears his thorat and says ''Er, right. Yeah, me um too.'' then he calls ''Kreacher!'' and with a 'pop' the old house-elf appears next to the three of them.

Sirius eyes immediately fill with disdain as he looks down on the angrily mumbling elf ''Kreacher, this is my godson Harry. He is tied to the Black family magic by our bond, so you need to obey him as well as me, got that?'' he says strictly.

Kreacher glares at Sirius then turns to hatefully look Harry over ''Master is bringing filthy half-bloods into the house. Oh what would Kreacher's Mistress say. First the dirty creature now the boy.'' the elf mutters.

''Shut up Kreacher!'' Sirius yells and Kreacher's mouth shuts, but the hatred in his eyes remains, ''Fucking elf, you're lucky I won't free you. And that's just because you know too many family secrets. Go to your room Kreacher, my mother is dead, thank Merlin, and I told you not to insult my guests.''

Kreacher shoots one last glare at them all before he apparates away.

''Sorry about that, Kreacher is... Well, he's a bit insane. Has always been, but over the last decade, with only my mother's portrait to talk to and her spewing all of her hateful opinions like she did in life, he's gone a bit round the bend.''

Harry just shrugs and happily follows Sirius and Remus up the stairs when they tell him that they've prepared a room for him. The room they've made up is Regulus', Sirius little brother's, old room and right next to Sirius' own on the third landing. As soon as he's left alone to unpack and settle in, Harry summons Kreacher.

Arriving with a telltale 'pop' Kreacher looks around the room and then mutters angrily under his breath ''Nasty half-blood sullying Master Regulus' room. No respect for the Mistress, no.''

''Kreacher, stop!'' Harry interrupts the elf's hateful mumbles. ''I need you to listen to me!''

Kreacher glares viciously at Harry but stops his muttering and says ''Kreacher is listening to foul little Master.''

Harry sighs, but ignores the jabs against his blood-status ''I know how much Regulus meant to you Kreacher, and I'm sorry he died.'' Harry starts, ''I also know about the task he left you.''

No sooner than the words have left Harry's mouth, Kreacher gets wide-eyed ''How does the young half-blood know?'' he gasps ''Kreacher never told anyone. Kreacher has disgraced Master Regulus! Kreacher couldn't fulfil the Master's last wish!'' the elf exclaims an then starts crying loudly, banging his head against the wall of Regulus' old room.

''Hey, Kreacher, it's okay.'' Harry tries to calm the old elf down, grabbing him before he can slam his head against the wall again. ''I know how to destroy the locket!''

That makes Kreacher stop and he suspiciously eyes Harry ''How does the boy know about the locket? Kreacher did not tell anyone! Kreacher tried everything, but nothing would destroy Master Regulus' locket. How will the boy do what Kreacher couldn't?''

Harry sits down in front of Kreacher ''I know about the locket because it's one of several dark artefacts Lord Voldemort made. And it can only be destroyed by Basilisk venom, but I have means to get some.'' Harry explains ''You did very well Kreacher! You kept the locket safe for so long, Regulus would be very proud of you!''

At that the elf breaks down fully, crying and sobbing uncontrollably. ''Young master will help Kreacher, young Master will make Master Regulus' wish come true. Kreacher is so happy, thank you young Master!'' Kreacher exclaims betweens sobs.

Harry tentatively pats the elf's shoulder, trying to calm him down. ''It's okay Kreacher. Just, can you do me a favour?'' he asks the still crying elf. Kreacher looks up at him with wide, teary eyes. ''Could you maybe be nicer to Sirius and Remus and anyone that comes to visit? I think Regulus would have liked that, after all he stole the locket from Voldemort to make sure Sirius and everyone would be safe. They both loved each other dearly, right?''

Kreacher nods and when Harry asks him to keep the locket safe until he returns to Hogwarts and not to tell anyone about it, the elf easily agrees to that too. After Kreacher has calmed down a bit, he gets a very determined look and promises to 'help the young Master and make Master Regulus proud', before he disapparates. Harry can't help but smile, now there's only three Horcruxes left for them to find and it's not even the end of second year.

When Harry comes down to the sitting room later that day, Sirius waves a letter at him ''I got a note from Molly Weasley, saying the kids want to meet up during the holidays, you want that too, pup?'' he asks with a grin.

Harry happily nods ''Yeah, that'd be great! Can we also ask my two other friends to join as well? Hermione and Neville?''
Sirius smiles at Harry ''Sure! They can all come here!'' he exclaims excitedly.

''We should get in contact with their parents, though, Padfoot. They can't just come over, they are only second years!'' Remus reminds them gently.

Sirius just rolls his eyes, but smiles ''Yeah, yeah Moony. We're gonna ask the adults and all. Maybe we could make a big party out of it? Have them all come over on boxing day?'' he basically vibrates with excited energy.

No wonder, Harry thinks, Sirius was always a people person and after so long being locked away the prospect of a big get-together must thrill him a lot.

Remus and Harry agree, and Sirius bounces off to collect some parchment to write to Ron's, Neville's and Hermione's families.

Christmas morning is beautiful. Harry wakes up early and joins Remus and Sirius downstairs, where they have a vast breakfast, courtesy of Kreacher, before making their way to the artfully decorated sitting room to exchange presents. Breakfast is delicious, even Sirius remarks that Kreacher's cooking has suspiciously become way better ever since Harry arrived. Harry just shrugs it off and Sirius laughs, saying that the old elf must have gone completely mad, probably confusing Harry with Regulus. At the mention of his brother, Sirius turns solemn though, and only perks up again as they sit down under the big Christmas tree to open the many presents lying underneath it.

Sirius and Remus urge Harry to start with his presents and Harry is shocked to find that the majority of the mountain of packages is actually for him. Sirius got Harry an abundance of sweets, a broom polish set, books about famous Quidditch players and a whole wardrobe full of new clothes. Sirius sheepishly says that he didn't know what Harry would like and that he should feel free to return anything he doesn't want, but Harry assures his godfather that he loves all of the gifts. Especially the black leather jacket and helmet Sirius got him so harry can join him on his motorcycle.

Remus has gotten Harry a book on long forgotten defence technics, including ancient rituals and Harry excitedly sees many spells he's never heard of, when he flicks through the book. He profusely thanks the man, who looks happy about Harry's obvious joy.

Harry got a series of books on new research made in various magical fields, that came out during the last decade. Sirius smiles a bit sadly at the reminder of how much he's missed, but assures Harry that he appreciates it nonetheless. For Remus, Harry has gotten a wandholster, charmed to be invisible to anyone but him and repelling disarming charms. Remus looks astonished at the delicate work of magic and tries to tell Harry that it's too much, but he waves off any self-conscious doubts the man issues.

Harry also got two packages by owl, one from Hagrid, which he immediately identifies by the messy scrawl on the note, and one which he suspects must be from Malfoy. He decides to open that one later, when he's alone. Hagrid's gift turns out to be the photo-album he originally gave Harry at the end of first year, which comes to the delight of Sirius and Remus as well as Harry, as they spend the rest of the day looking over the various pictures and Remus and Sirius recounting all of the stories surrounding each one. That's something Harry never got and he enjoys the tales of his parents and their friends, while they eat freshly baked cookies and only get up for a mouth-watering dinner of roasted poultry and numerous side dishes.

While in the dining room, Kreacher pops in to inquire about their wishes for refreshments.

Sirius frowns at the elf ''What's that about then, Kreacher? Trying to give us poisoned wine?'' he barks, ''Don't think that just 'cause your cooking's gotten better I'll somehow trust you, you bitter old menace.''

Kreacher looks actually hurt at the insult, now that he's been making an effort of being nicer to Sirius and his guests, these insinuations made by Sirius probably offend the elf greatly. And Harry's had enough of Sirius' attitude towards the old house-elf.

''Sirius, stop it!'' he scolds his godfather, ''I didn't take you for someone who's racist towards house-elves or other creatures. Seems a lot like some of your family's old beliefs.'' he crosses his arms in front of his chest.

Sirius makes to answer, but shuts his mouth at Harry's stern glare. ''Kreacher is making an effort to be nice to you and all you do is continue to insult him. I'd have expected better of you.'' Harry lets his disappointment at his godfather's behaviour shine through.

Sirius winces at the scolding, but turns to Kreacher and apologizes ''I'm sorry, Kreacher. Harry's right. You've been acting way nicer and, well, I guess I just didn't really believe you actually meant it.''

Kreacher looks a bit dumbfounded, gazing between Harry and Sirius, before he nods and says ''Kreacher will be bringing the good wine then. Master Harry, Master Sirius, Mister Lupin.'' he gives a little bow to each of them and then disapparates to fetch the promised wine.

Both adults looks truly shocked at that respectful address by the elf, but Harry is really happy about that development. When Kreacher comes back after a minute, wine in hand, Harry grins at the elf, who gives a small smile back, before filling up three glasses of red wine.

After dinner, Sirius presents Harry with one last gift, the two-way mirror he originally gave Harry back in his 5^th year. Harry hugs both of his parents' friends tightly, telling them how much this day means to him, before they each retire to their rooms for the night. Harry realizes astonished that both Sirius and Remus go back to Sirius' room, apparently sharing it. Well, Harry thinks grinning, so this besotted expression Remus wore during the summer when talking abut Sirius wasn't a fragment of his imagination after all.

After having gotten ready for bed, Harry sits down on his bed and finally opens the silver package. The little note says 'Merry Christmas, Potter' in Malfoy's beautiful cursive. The present turns out to be two more of the warded notebooks Malfoy got them for their memories, as well as a self-inking quill, equipped with invisible ink. Harry grins, then sees a second wrapping inside the first one. Opening it, he finds a small ring, way too tiny for anything but a baby's hand. Confused, Harry searches the discarded wrapping paper again, and finds another note, detailing the ring's instructions. Apparently it's charmed with a glamour for owls, supposed to make Hedwig look like a common barn owl when attached to her leg. Harry grins as he realizes that now he will be able to reach Malfoy by owl, without having to wait for Tarragon to arrive, lest Hedwig be too obvious and suspicious to fly to the Manor.

On boxing day, Harry, Remus and Sirius all take a quick breakfast before tackling the old houses entrance hall and the other rooms where they expect to welcome their guests that afternoon. It's way less of a task than they'd expected, ever since Sirius' and Kreacher's changed attitude towards each other, the house itself is looking better every day. It's almost as if it can sense the changed atmosphere between it's inhabitants and shows it's joy by changing it's appearance into something cheerier than before. Harry also suspects that Kreacher is cleaning with much more fervourm, now that he respects Sirius and his guests.

So after lunch, they just get rid of the troll-leg in the entrance hall, and prepare the sitting room for the many people that will be arriving soon. At three pm they all exit the house to fetch Hermione and her parents arriving by cab, as the Muggles won't be able to find the house without magic. Remus had proposed to invite the Grangers a little earlier than the rest, for it must be overwhelming for them to see a magical house and meet that many wix for the first time.

When the cab drives up and stops in front of Grimmauld Place number 11, Harry rushes up to the car and Hermione emerges only to engulf him in a big hug, wishing him a merry Christmas. She then proceeds to introduce her parents as Jean and Will Granger, Harry shaking their hands before introducing Sirius and Remus as well. Hermione tags along and gasps in awe as Number 12 suddenly becomes visible to her. Her parents walking next to Remus and an excitedly bouncing Sirius look around with wide-eyes, obviously not used to magic at all.

Sirius chatters away happily, telling the Grangers all about his ancestral home and how they have been renovating and just got rid of the troll-leg umbrella-stand. Hermione's parents seem pretty overwhelmed by Sirius, who is oblivious to their confusion. Luckily Remus intervenes and guides the family into the prepared sitting room, taking their coats instead of calling for Kreacher which would only further stun the Grangers. He makes polite small talk and asks them about their jobs as dentists. Remus having lived in the Muggle world for a long time coming in handy. After they have settled a bit, Will Granger presents a very nice 1987 Rioja to a delighted Sirius and thanks them for inviting them. Sirius is about to fetch Kreacher after all, when they hear the floo flare in the next room. They are soon greeted by Neville and his stern-looking grandmother, who introduces herself as Augusta Longbottom. They have also brought a gift, this time Ogden's finest Firewhiskey. Lady Longbottom politely greets the Grangers and Harry and tells him that she knew Sirius, Remus and Harry's parents due to them all being friends with her son Frank and his wife Alice. Harry remembers that they were all members of the Order of the Phoenix, something which he can't mention for lack of an explanation on how he knows about the Order at all.

Soon after the Longbottom's arrival, the floo sounds again and the whole Weasley clan, minus Bill and Charlie, enter the sitting room. They all greet Sirius and Remus happily, Molly exclaiming how glad she is that Sirius has been innocent after all and Arthur adding that Fudge has always been a power-hungry manipulator, saying how sorry they are for how long the whole trial took even after the overwhelming evidence of Peter Pettigrew being alive. Percy seems to want to interrupt this slander of his idol, the Minister, when the Granger's suddenly ask what kind of trial Sirius had, and if that means he was incarcerated. The kids, with the exception of Percy, all quickly flee the sitting room, leaving the adults to explain the wizarding legal system to the disturbed looking Grangers, and all make their way up to Harry's room, where they exchange presents.

After catching up on all of their Christmas hols experiences so far they all move back downstairs by the time for dinner. Fred and George hold Harry back for a second.

''Harry, I believe you promised us...'' Fred starts,

''...an introduction'' George finishes grinning madly.

Harry rolls his eyes with a fond expression ''Alright, come on you two, let's find my uncles.''

To their luck, Sirius and Remus are in the hallway, conversing about the dinner situation, when they arrive downstairs. Fred and George immediately fall down onto their knees and exaggeratedly bow in front of the two dumbfounded men.

''Padfoot, Moony!'' they exclaim in unison between bows, ''It is an honour to meet you both. Harry has told us all about you when we gave him the map. You have been our idols ever since we started with the mischief business.'' they proclaim solemnly.

''The map?'' Sirius questions, confused ''Our map?'' The two men gaze at Harry in surprise.

Harry winces as he realizes his mistake. Shit, how does he explain how he knew about the map and the Marauders before even meeting them? ''Um, yeah... Hagrid told me about all that when I asked him about my parents.'' he lies nervously.

The twins turn to regard Harry suspiciously. They, of course, know that Hagrid had no idea about the map, but thankfully they stay quiet. Remus and Sirius seem to have bought his lie, so for now Harry lets out a relieved breath.

Dinner is a cheerful affair. Mr. Weasley has taken a liking to Hermione's parents and is currently quizzing them with questions about socket outlets and how they work. The Grangers are taking it in stride and happily explain electricity to Arthur, who looks like a child on his birthday.

Mrs. Weasley and Augusta Longbottom are both chattering about charms, while Neville and Ginny listen raptly to their matriarchs' knowledge.

The twins are both still captivatedly talking pranks with a beaming Sirius and Percy pesters Remus with questions over questions about his stance on some magical theory, which Remus gently indulges.

Ron, Hermione and Harry are all talking about Hermione's new project, SADAC, when Kreacher suddenly pops into the dining room, right next to them.

''Is Master Harry's guests wishing for some more juice?'' the elf asks politely, no-one who didn't know him from just a week ago would have thought him to be the same Kreacher.

Before Harry can answer, Hermione speaks up ''Oh, hello! You must be Kreacher! Harry has told us all about you!'' she smiles at the old house-elf.

Kreacher looks nervously between her and Harry ''Master Harry is talking about Kreacher, Miss?''

''Oh yes!'' Hermione assures him, ''He's been saying how amazing your cooking is, and I have to agree. It's really delicious!''

Kreacher beams up at her ''Thank you Miss! You is being too kind!''

Hermione responds with a mirroring wide smile ''Nonsense, just stating the truth!''
Kreacher bows profusely in front of Hermione, muttering something about ''Great Master Harry's friends, good Miss, Master Regulus would love Miss'' which, coming from the elf's mouth, is likely the highest praise he has ever given. After Hermione thanks him again for the meal and promises him that they don't need anything else right now, Kreacher happily pops away.

After dinner, while the rest of them return to the sitting room for a nightcap, Fred and George whisk Sirius into a corner, happily asking the man his opinion about their newest pranks and experiments. Harry has never seen Sirius light up like this in his past life. The long time in Azkaban and him living on the run had taken quite the toll on the man. But right here, right now, Sirius finally gets to enjoy his freedom, practically glowing with excitement as he focuses all of his pent up juvenile energy on the twins and their ideas for mischief. Seeing all of the people he loves around him, happy and alive, Harry can't help but think that this must be the best Christmas he's ever experienced.

***

After a long and happy day, Sirius and Remus are just finishing up helping Kreacher tidying up the aftermath of the big feast. They both throw gleeful little glances to each other, while they bask in the cosy feelings this Christmas has left them in.

Sirius is the first to break their content silence ''Isn't he just amazing?'' he asks with a soft glow to his eyes.

Remus of course knows who Sirius means, as he wholeheartedly agrees ''He really is. So much like James and Lily, making so many friends.'' he nods, ''Though he's a lot more mature than either of them were at his age''

Sirius barks a laugh at that ''Oh yes! The way he practically scolded me for how I treated Kreacher? And have you noticed how he always seems to be looking out for everyone in the room, making sure no one feels left out?'' Sirius grins, proud of his godson.

Remus hesitates for a moment ''Do you think this would be the right time to talk to him about.. me?'' he quietly asks.

Sirius seems to sense his partner's nerves, as he moves around the table to lay an arm around his shoulders ''I think you don't have anything to worry about. But yes,I know how much it means to you to be open with him, so let's go.'' he encourages Remus.

Remus takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the upcoming conversation, before the two men join Harry in the sitting room to talk. He'd wanted to tell him about his curse way earlier, in fact, right after Harry offered him the job in his family vault, but Remus had waited to ask Sirius opinion as the boy's godfather on the matter. He didn't want to overstep or frighten the boy, but after the week they've spent together, it feels like the right time to reveal his biggest secret to Harry.

So, sitting in front of the boy, with Sirius at his side, he gathers up all of his Gryffindor courage, aware that this might push Harry away, but feeling the necessity of the conversation nonetheless. ''We need to talk, Harry.'' Remus begins solemnly.

Harry immediately looks worried at both of their stern faces.

''I- I have to tell you something. When I was very young, I was... bitten. By a werewolf, so, I'm a werewolf Harry.'' Remus breathes out, nervously awaiting the boy's reaction.

Harry looks at him confused, then relief seems to flood his features ''Wait? So that's it? That's what you wanted to talk about?'' he asks, smiling widely.

One glance at Sirius shows him to be just as confused as Remus himself. ''You- you're not scared?'' Remus asks, almost not believing the boy's calm reaction.

''Why would I be scared?'' Harry simply shrugs, ''You're still the same as you always were, since I know you, right?''

Remus is speechless at that unconditional support from the boy in front of him. But he has to make sure Harry understands. ''I would understand if you didn't want to keep me working at your vault. You have to know that being associated with a werewolf can cause many negative repercussions for people.''

Harry just stares at him indignantly ''Why would I ever let anybody else's opinions, which are bullshit by the way, matter more than how much you mean to me?'' he asks appalled. ''I don't see you any differently than before you told me and I definitely don't want you to give up the job. At least, as long as you don't want to give it up of course.'' he frowns.

Remus is floored ''No of course I don't want to stop working- I... Are you sure Harry?'' he asks, still disbelievingly.

Harry rolls his eyes ''Yes Moony, I'm sure!'' he says exasperated but fondly ''And now, if you two don't mind, I am going to take my presents upstairs and go to bed.'' Harry states, before getting up and doing just that.
''Good night Uncle Moony, Uncle Sirius! Love you both and thanks for the great Christmas!'' he smiles widely at them both before hurrying out of the room and up the stairs.

Remus and Sirius are left utterly gob-smacked. This has gone so much better than they had feared! Even better than what Remus allowed himself to hope for. And Harry had said that he loved them. Looking at Sirius' misty eyes he knows that he is just as touched by that as Remus himself.

But however relieved he might feel at the moment, something keeps nagging at his mind. Harry hadn't been scared, he didn't even seem surprised at the revelation of Remus' predicament. It had almost seemed like he'd already known, but that was impossible, wasn't it?

Remus thinks about the whole time since Hedwig arrived for him in the streets of London back in summer. Harry had always come across as awfully mature for his age, and then how he managed to practically enrapture Kreacher seemingly over night and even gotten the elf and Sirius to get along with each other. Or how Harry had appeared to know about the Marauders and their map even before meeting any of them. It all just seems very suspicious to Remus, who resolves to talk that over with Sirius in the morning, as well as keep a close eye on Harry's behaviour from now on out.