The Young Padfoot *Book One*

Back with Remus

Being back at home with Remus was surprisingly comforting. I mean, don't get me wrong, after having lessons every day, eating in the great hall, and seeing my friends all the time, it felt strange not being in that routine. But it didn't take long for me to get back into my routine I had had before I left.

Taking every spare moment that we had together, Remus and I would go out practically every day to do something of we would just stay at home and I would beat him at Monopoly (what can I say, I'm a pro).

It hadn't really bothered me at first, but after a month of it, I started to find it strange that Harry hadn't been replying to any of my letters. Originally, I had thought that maybe it might have been Atlas' doing, but then again, she'd never messed up a delivery before, let alone a whole selection of them. According to letters that I had gotten from Hermione and Ron, they hadn't got any back either.

"Do you think he's in trouble?" I asked Remus one evening, as I helped him make Spaghetti Bolognese.

"He's probably just been busy. He may have missed his family while he was at Hogwarts so is just spending time with them," Remus suggested, but from the way his uncle had spoken to him at the train station, I seriously doubted that.

"I don't know. I don't think Harry's exactly close with the muggles," I said. "I'm worried about him."

Remus looked up from the stove and gave me a small smile.

"How about this? If Harry hasn't replied to your letters by the end of the week, we shall go and see if he's alright," Remus offered.

"But we don't know where he lives," I reminded him.

"I'm sure we can find out," Remus replied. "And anyway, after everything you've told me about him, and considering he is Lily and James' son, I'm sure he can handle living with his Aunt and Uncle for a bit."

"Yeah, I guess," I sighed. "Need any help?"

"Wanna get the Spaghetti cooking?" Remus asked.

"Sure thing," I nodded.

And just like that, my worries were pushed to the back of my mind once again. I don't know how he did it, but Remus always found a way to make me feel better and take away any problems or concerns I had. I guess it was like his superhero power.

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Another couple of days had passed and still no reply from Harry. We had sent him some birthday cookies and a birthday card yesterday but it seemed he either hadn't received them or he just didn't have the time to reply.

Like Remus said, we had planned to go and check in on Harry, but when I told Ron about it, he told us not to worry as they were going the next day anyway. I replied with an owl requesting that he let me know Harry is ok when they got to him and to check if he had been getting my letters.

But even though I was worried for my friend, I was even more worried about Remus. The last full moon four days ago had taken quite a hit on him, more than usual.

I remember walking through to his room that morning with a mug of steaming coffee and a bar of chocolate (his comfort food for his time of month) and he still hadn't returned. This usually meant that his injuries were bad and he didn't want me to see them. It could be hours before he would return but that day, he came back in the evening.

Scratches encased his entire face and he looked absolutely exhausted. Dark bags were under his eyes, his hair stuck up all over the place and his hands were shaking. It was the worst I had seen him in for some time. But I had pushed away my thoughts and did the only thing I could do; help him.