Through The Fire

A New Friend For Harry

Remus Lupin stared in wonder at little Harry Potter. He'd managed to make it to Minerva's home before they'd left to go shopping. He didn't think that he'd be able to tolerate waiting for them to be finished with their errands. When Dumbledore had sought him out to tell him about Harry, he'd been devastated to hear of the boy's mistreatment. James and Lily would never have allowed their precious son to be so neglected. And Remus would never forgive himself if he didn't come to Harry's aid now.

Harry tilted his head to one side, wondering at the newcomer's watery gaze. "Do- Do I make you sad?" Harry asked.

Remus smiled and cleared his throat. "Only because you look so much like your dad," Remus replied quietly. "I'm really very glad to see you Harry."

"You knew my dad too?" Harry asked, eagerness creeping into his tone.

"He was one of my best friends," Remus answered. "You called me Uncle Moony when you were a baby. Well, you tried to call me Uncle Moony," he amended with a watery chuckle. "You left a few letters out."

Minerva smiled encouragingly at Remus. He'd been one of her favorite students when he'd been at school. His status as a werewolf had set him up for a difficult life, and he often isolated himself from others since his dearest friends were either dead or in Azkaban prison. Harry and Remus could be very good for one another.

"Perhaps you'd like to venture out with us," Minerva suggested. "Harry's needing some things and this gives you an opportunity to talk."

Remus agreed readily and soon they left the house and went to Diagon Alley for some shopping. Clothes, books and toys were purchased while Harry remained mostly silent, astounded that all of these items were apparently for him. He'd never had new things. His clothes had all been Dudley's and they never fit properly, hanging off of Harry's tiny frame. His only toys were those that he could find in the trash after Dudley had broken them. Minerva had even sent him to the loo to change into some of his new clothes partway into the shopping trip.

After lunch, Minerva decided that Harry needed some time to play. He'd been so well behaved, especially for one so young, and she was eager to reward him. She found a nearby park that was frequented by muggle and magical children alike. At that time, it was mostly abandoned, likely because of the heat. But, there was shade from some nearby trees and Harry had looked at the playground equipment so hopefully.

The only other people on the playground were a woman and a little boy that appeared to be around Harry's age. The woman was reading, occasionally glancing at her son to make sure he didn't wander off. They looked familiar...

The little boy was holding a dark green stuffed dragon while he scampered up the steps of the slide before sailing back down to the grass. Then he hopped onto one of the swings and wiggled about trying to get it to move. Harry approached him hesitantly, unsure of how he'd be received. "Want me to push you?" Harry asked.

The boy looked at Harry with a little frown, his gray eyes looking Harry over. "I like to go high," he stated simply , carefully keeping his dragon pinned under his arm while he gripped the chains of the swing.

Harry moved behind the other boy and gave him a push forward. He gave another push and then another until the other boy was laughing in delight. Harry smiled, the movement of the swing pushing a light breeze against his face.

After a while, the swing slowed and the little blond boy hopped off. "I'm Draco Malfoy," he announced proudly.

"I'm Harry Potter," Harry said, not noticing that Remus and Minerva were approaching.

Draco's eyes widened. He knew that name. He'd heard stories about the famous Boy Who Lived. To think that he'd had Harry Potter pushing him on the swings. Pansy would be so jealous.