Through The Fire

Year Two: Part Three

The fact that a ghost had been petrified sent the students into a panic. What could do that to a ghost? Most of the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were now avoiding Harry. He'd been one of the few Slytherins that had friends from every house, and now most people were afraid to be around him. The Gryffindors were a bit divided. His friendship with Hermione seemed to convince most of them that he wasn't out to harm any muggleborns. The Gryffindor quidditch team was especially supportive of Harry. Though, the twins loved to make a joke of the situation. They liked to refer to Harry as His Majesty, The Speccy Dark Lord.

Slytherins seemed generally unconcerned. Most of them seemed to think that the idea of Harry being the heir of Slytherin was ridiculous. Others thought that even if he was, it wasn't going to effect them anyway. It was oddly soothing to Harry that at least his own house wasn't really treating him any differently. Though it was a little unsettling that several of them were perfectly content with him possibly being the heir of Slytherin.

Harry was relieved to get away from the castle and spend the winter holiday with Remus. The werewolf had been rather anxious to see Harry, especially after hearing about all that had been happening at the school. But Harry was concerned about Remus. He was looking a bit thinner and very tired. His face held a sadness that Harry was sure that he'd seen before on the man's face. But it had become more pronounced and Harry was worried.

Harry glanced at Remus as they decorated the Christmas tree together. "Moony?" he asked tentatively.

"Yes Harry?" the man responded absently, adjusting the fairy lights carefully.

"Will you tell me what's bothering you?" Harry asked hopefully. "And don't tell me it's nothing. I'm not stupid. You and Minnie are my family. I should know about it when you're upset."

Remus took a step away from the tree and sighed heavily. He sat down on the couch and motioned for Harry to join him.

Harry set down his box glittering baubles and sat down next to Remus. His heart clenched at the sight of his guardian's watery gaze.

"Christmas is really difficult," Remus admitted. "I don't have anyone left. My very best friends are all gone and I don't have any family alive. Your father and mother were wonderful people. Pete was shy, but I loved having him around. Sirius-" Remus voice caught and he took a moment to steady himself.

Harry's pulse was racing. Remus had told lots of stories about the Marauders' school days. But this was something deeper then pranks and fun.

"Sirius is your godfather," Remus said softly. "James loved him like a brother. And they both looked after me at the full moon. Peter too. They made my wretched existence worth the pain. And in one night, the one that James trusted most destroyed everything. He betrayed your parents, causing their deaths. And in the same night, he killed Peter. He was arrested, and I was left alone." A few tears fell, but Remus mostly managed to keep himself under control. After so many years, the loss of his dearest friends still felt like a crushing ache.

"You're not alone," Harry murmured, his own eyes damp. "You have me. I'm not really your son, but it's pretty close isn't it? To me, Moony means dad."

Remus pulled Harry closer and hugged him tightly. Harry pressed his face into his Moony's chest, wanting to comfort the werewolf.

"You're enough for me," Remus said, stroking Harry's hair gently. "I think I'll always grieve, but I can't let myself forget the family I have right here." He gave Harry a slight squeeze to emphasize his point. "You just look so much like your father. And sometimes you're shy like Peter. And, Sirius' middle name is Orion."

"Oh!" Harry exclaimed, pulling back with a look of shock. "I didn't know that." He bit his lip thoughtfully. "Should I change it? I mean, it's meant for my animagus form."