Chapter 3
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across Harry's room. Remus stood in the doorway, a soft smile on his face as he watched his godson sleep. Harry, with his messy black hair and drool from his open mouth threatening to take refuge on the pillow, looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the turbulent life he had led. Remus felt a surge of protectiveness and love that never ceased to surprise him with its intensity.
"Time to wake up, Bambi," Remus called softly. "We've got a big day ahead of us."
Harry stirred, blinking sleepily before a smile spread across his face. "Morning, Moony," he slurred, stretching and yawning. "Diagon Alley today?"
"Indeed it is," Remus replied, stepping into the room. "But first, breakfast. You can't shop on an empty stomach."
Harry nodded enthusiastically, quickly getting out of bed and dressing, hitting himself on the corner of the bed in the process. Remus's eyes crinkled in amusement as he observed the boy's comical clumsiness, giving a good-natured laugh before making his way towards the kitchen. Harry had grown over the summer, Remus noted, his frame filling out from the regular meals and the hard work of helping around their small home. Harry's summer had been filled with chores, but also with laughter and warmth. Filled with love.
Downstairs, the kitchen was filled with the comforting smell of pancakes and bacon. Harry took his usual seat at the table, watching as Remus deftly flipped the pancakes, his movements practised and efficient.
"You make the best pancakes," Harry said with a grin, as Remus set a plate in front of him.
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Remus joked, ruffling Harry's hair before sitting down opposite him. "Eat up. We’ve got a lot to do today."
Over the comforting clinks of silverware on plates, their conversation drifted to the impending school year. Harry's eyes lit up with eagerness as he spoke of reuniting with friends and the mystery surrounding the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. Remus, a knowing glint in his eyes, couldn't help but smile as he withheld the revelation of his newfound role, relishing in the secret knowledge that he would soon be the one shaping young minds, including Harry's. The impending surprise hung in the air between them, an invisible thread that would soon intertwine their lives even further.
"Are you ready for your third year, Harry?" Remus asked, sipping his tea.
"I think so," Harry replied between bites. "I mean, it's always a bit nerve-wracking, but I've got Ron and Hermione. And you."
Remus's heart swelled at the words. "Yes, you do. And no matter what happens, you can always count on me."
Remus watched Harry as he devoured his breakfast, the boy's appetite undiminished by the adventures and dangers he had faced. The memory of the previous year, when Harry had faced the horrors of the Chamber of Secrets, haunted Remus. The thought of Harry battling a basilisk and surviving an encounter with a cursed diary made his heart clench with fear. Harry had shown extraordinary bravery, but Remus couldn’t shake the feeling that another dark challenge awaited him in the coming school year. The worry gnawed at him, knowing that while Hogwarts should be a place of safety, for Harry, it was anything but.
They finished their breakfast and headed out to the small garden. Harry had taken a keen interest in helping Remus with the various plants and herbs, learning their properties and uses. Today, they spent a few moments tending to the garden, a quiet, shared activity that had become a cherished routine.
"You know, you're getting quite good at this," Remus remarked as Harry carefully pruned a rose bush.
"I've had a good teacher," Harry replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
Remus felt a lump in his throat. The bond between them had grown stronger over the years, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. Harry was not just a responsibility; he was family, a bright spot in Remus's often difficult life.
"Alright, Harry," Remus said, clapping his hands together. "Time to get ready for Diagon Alley. Grab your list and make sure you have everything."
Harry nodded and ran upstairs, leaving Remus to gather his thoughts. Watching Harry flourish, despite everything he had been through, gave Remus a sense of purpose and hope. He had lost so much, but he had gained something precious in return—the love and trust of a remarkable young boy.
As they prepared to leave, Harry came down the stairs, his excitement palpable. Remus looked at him, a mixture of pride and affection in his gaze.
"Ready?" Remus asked, picking up his own list of supplies.
"Ready," Harry replied, his eyes shining with anticipation.
With a final check of their belongings, they stepped out into the morning sun, ready to face the bustling streets of Diagon Alley.
As Remus and Harry stepped into Diagon Alley, the scene burst into life before them. Cobblestone streets teemed with witches and wizards of all ages, their laughter and chatter blending into a harmonious cacophony. The air was thick with the enticing aromas of freshly baked goods from the nearby bakery, mingling with the sharper scent of potion ingredients wafting from the apothecary. Vibrant shopfronts lined the bustling street, their displays a riot of colours – shimmering robes, gleaming cauldrons, and enchanted trinkets that danced in the sunlight.
Ollivanders’ grandiose façade beckoned with the promise of new wands for young wizards, while Quality Quidditch Supplies drew eager crowds with its latest broomsticks. Flourish and Blotts was abuzz with students gathering their required texts, the anticipation of a new school year palpable. The distant clanging of a blacksmith's hammer from the direction of Gringotts added a rhythmic undertone to the lively symphony.
Remus glanced at Harry, whose eyes were wide with excitement, taking in the familiar yet always wondrous sights of Diagon Alley. The boy's enthusiasm was infectious, and despite the worries that lurked in Remus's heart, he couldn't help but smile.
Their first stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. As Harry was being fitted for his new school robes, Remus couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. It seemed like only yesterday that he, James, Peter and… well, the other thing…were in this very shop, preparing for their own adventures at Hogwarts.
Once the robes were sorted, they headed to Flourish and Blotts for Harry's textbooks. The shop was crowded, as always, with students and parents alike, all eager to get their hands on the latest editions.
As they were browsing the shelves, they heard a familiar voice. "Harry! Remus!"
Turning around, they saw Mrs. Weasley, her face beaming with warmth. Beside her were Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the Weasley clan. Harry's face lit up, and he quickly made his way over to his friends, greeting them with enthusiastic hugs.
As the group ventured further into the alley, Harry’s laughter mixed with Ron’s and Hermione’s, their camaraderie a testament to the friendships that had become Harry’s anchor. Remus felt a surge of gratitude – for these moments of normalcy and joy amidst the shadows that constantly threatened their world.
"How have you been, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked Remus, her eyes full of genuine concern.
"I'm managing, Molly,"
Had it not been for the unwavering support of the Weasleys, Remus feared he would have long ago faltered under the weight of his newfound responsibilities. Through the early days of Harry's arrival, Molly Weasley had become a guiding beacon in his life, imparting words of wisdom that carried him through the horrors of nappy changes and midnight feedings. As the years unfolded, her patient counsel continued to shepherd him through the trials of tantrums and growing pains, an enduring source of solace in times of tumult. There was no denying that Molly and Arthur Weasley were the very embodiment of guardian angels, their steadfast presence a lifeline for Remus in the stormy seas of parenthood.
"And you? How's the family?"
"Oh, you know, always busy with one thing or another," Mrs. Weasley chuckled. "But we're doing well. I'm so glad we ran into you. Why don't you join us for a bit?"
Remus nodded, grateful for the companionship. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione wandered off to explore the shops, Remus and Mrs. Weasley found a quiet corner to chat.
"You must be feeling quite a bit of pressure, taking on the role of Defence Against the Dark Arts professor," Mrs. Weasley said kindly.
Remus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I won't lie, Molly. I'm nervous. It's been a long time since I've been in a classroom, and with everything that's happened... it's hard not to feel a bit overwhelmed."
Mrs. Weasley placed a comforting hand on his arm. "You are more than capable, Remus. Remember, James and Lily trusted you with Harry. They knew your strength and your heart. The students at Hogwarts are lucky to have you."
Her words brought a lump to Remus's throat. "Thank you, Molly. That means a lot."
Laden with bags and parcels, Remus and his godson waved goodbye to the red-headed group and made their way back home, the excitement of the day still buzzing in their minds.
Upon their arrival home, Harry hastily made his way upstairs, eager to unpack and cherish the final moments of his summer liberty. Meanwhile, Remus found solace in the familiarity of the kitchen, engrossed in the rhythmic tasks of meal preparation. Lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, he absently diced vegetables and stirred a simmering pot, each motion as familiar as the hum of an old song. As dinner took shape beneath his hands, Remus found his mind drifting further into the tangled web of his own musings
Could he really do this? Could he stand in front of a classroom full of young witches and wizards and teach them about the very thing that haunted his own life? The self-doubt gnawed at him, whispering that he wasn't good enough, that he would fail.
Remus's thoughts drifted back to his own time at Hogwarts, a mix of nostalgia and bittersweet memories. He remembered the thrill of walking down these very corridors with James, Peter and That Dog, their laughter echoing off the portraits as they planned their pranks and adventures. They had been young and reckless, their bond forged in mischief and camaraderie.
But there were shadows too, moments when Remus had felt the weight of his secret like a leaden cloak. No one but the Marauders and Snape had known about his lycanthropy, a burden he had carried alone. The fear of discovery had been constant, the dread of transformation on each full moon a chilling reality. Yet, amidst the challenges and dangers, Hogwarts had also been a sanctuary—a place where friendships were forged in the crucible of adversity, where he had found acceptance and loyalty in the face of his darkest secret.
Lost in his thoughts, Remus didn't notice the time passing. It wasn't until he heard a knock on the door that he was jolted back to reality. He set down the knife and wiped his hands on a towel, his heart pounding with a sudden sense of unease.
He frowned slightly, not expecting any visitors at this hour. Padding over to the door, Remus glanced through the peephole, expecting a missionary, or maybe a muggle politician. Instead, he was met with the stern countenance of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts. Surprise flickered across Remus’s face before he carefully unlatched the door.
"Headmaster," Remus greeted, his voice tinged with curiosity. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Dumbledore's eyes, usually twinkling with a quiet mirth, were sombre tonight. "May I come in, Remus?"
Remus nodded slowly, stepping back to allow Dumbledore to enter. As the old wizard crossed the threshold, Remus felt a chill of apprehension run down his spine. The air suddenly seemed heavier, pregnant with unspoken words.
Memories of the last time he found himself in such a predicament came flooding back, bringing with them the bitter recollection of a life torn away. The notion that someone else might have met their untimely end was a weighty burden on Remus's mind, but he struggled to conjure an image of anyone whose passing would necessitate a visit from one of the wizarding world's most revered figures. As he grappled with his growing apprehension, a flicker of realisation began to take hold—perhaps this meeting did not revolve around death, but rather an unexpected resurrection of sorts. The idea that someone long-lost might have reemerged from the shadows sent a shiver down Remus's spine, an eerie blend of hope and trepidation that left him suspended in breathless anticipation.
"It's about Sirius, isn't it?" Remus ventured, His voice was barely above a whisper, as if afraid to give voice to the dread that gripped him.
Dumbledore's gaze softened, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. "Yes, Remus," he replied gravely. "Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban."
The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the room. Remus felt his heart stop, the world around him blurring into a haze of disbelief and horror.
"No," he whispered, shaking his head. "Sirius... he can't have... it's impossible."
Dumbledore's gaze was steady, filled with an unspoken understanding of the turmoil raging within Remus. "I wish it were otherwise, but it is true. Sirius Black is on the loose, and we believe he may be seeking Harry."
Remus's mind raced, the memories of Sirius, their friendship, and the betrayal flooding back with a vengeance. The pain was as fresh as it had been all those years ago, the wound reopened and bleeding anew.
"Why would he come after Harry?" Remus asked, his voice trembling.
Dumbledore's eyes darkened. "We believe he holds Harry responsible for Voldemort's downfall. And given his state of mind, there is no telling what he might do."
Remus staggered slightly, the weight of those words crashing over him like a tidal wave. His thoughts flashed back to that fateful night when Dumbledore had delivered news just as devastating—that James and Lily were dead, betrayed by the man they had once trusted with their lives. The parallels were unmistakable—another betrayal, another wave of fear and uncertainty.
He steadied himself against the doorframe, his mind racing. Sirius, his former friend and boyfriend, now a fugitive believed to be responsible for betraying the Potters to Voldemort and murdering Peter Pettigrew. It was incomprehensible, yet here they were, facing the aftermath once again.
Remus's heart clenched with a visceral fear, his mind unable to escape the haunting parallels between Sirius's past actions and the present danger. The thought of history repeating itself, of Sirius targeting Harry just as he had James and Lily, was a weight that threatened to suffocate him. He couldn't bear the idea of losing Harry, the boy who had become his anchor in a sea of turmoil and loss. The mere notion of Harry being taken from him tore at Remus's soul, leaving him desperate to shield the boy from the same fate that had befallen his beloved friends.
"Remus," Dumbledore continued, his voice carrying the weight of their shared history, "your decision to join Hogwarts as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is more crucial now than ever. You understand the threats facing our world, and most importantly, Harry. Your role extends beyond teaching—it is about vigilance, protection, and guidance."
Remus nodded, feeling the gravity of Dumbledore's words settling over him. "I know," he replied quietly, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Harry upstairs. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe."
"Good," Dumbledore said with a hint of reassurance. "You have a rare opportunity to watch over him closely. Your presence will be a comfort and a shield in the uncertain times ahead."
"I will protect him, Albus," Remus said firmly. "I won't let Sirius harm him."
Dumbledore nodded, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. "I knew I could count on you, Remus. But be vigilant. Sirius is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal."
As Dumbledore rose to leave and he escorted him to the door, Remus noticed Harry perched silently at the top of the stairs, his eyes wide with apprehension, having overheard their conversation.
"Did you hear?" Remus asked gently.
Harry nodded, descending the stairs slowly. "Sirius Black... he's coming after me, isn't he?"
Remus pulled Harry into a tight embrace, his heart breaking at the fear in the boy's eyes. "I won't let him get to you, Harry. I promise."
Harry clung to him, drawing comfort from the strength of Remus's arms. "I trust you, Remus."
They stood there for a long moment, finding solace in each other's presence. The future was uncertain, filled with dangers and challenges they could not yet foresee.
The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room. Remus held Harry close, his resolve hardening. He would protect this boy with everything he had, just as he had promised the memory of James and Lily.
“So,” the boy pressed, “You are the mysterious new teacher!”
As the night wore on, Remus sat silently, the weight of Dumbledore’s words lingering in the air. The fire crackled softly, casting dancing shadows across the room as he contemplated the challenges ahead. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with dangers, especially with Sirius Black on the loose, but he also knew they would face it head-on, together.
As midnight approached, Remus checked on Harry in his bed, whispering a few reassuring words to both himself and his sleeping godson. Standing in the doorway, he lingered for a moment, watching the gentle rise and fall of Harry's chest as he slept peacefully.
In that quiet moment, Remus found a sense of purpose that went beyond his fears and uncertainties. It wasn’t about having all the answers or assurances; it was about being there, guiding and protecting, even when the path ahead seemed obscured by shadows.
"Goodnight, Bambi," Remus whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Harry's forehead. "Sweet dreams."
And with that, he closed the door, leaving it slightly ajar so that the soft light from the hallway could keep the shadows at bay.