The Shadows Solace Book I: The Growing Years Prequel

Chapter XIII: Reunited

Petunia waited only for the next fifteen to twenty minutes for Remus and Sirius; both of whom returned looking much more groomed than when they had left. Sirius's hair, however, was another matter and one she knew no combing would ever solve. Much like the nasty mop on her nephew that he had inherited from James.

She smiled, "I will need one of you to side-along apparate me to the hospital; as I obviously can't do that for myself."

Remus then inclined to her, "Then please allow me to be your helper. Sirius is still getting used to having his magic back and it can, at times, be temperamental."

She inclined to this as Sirius rolled his eyes, but he said nothing about it; it was true, after all. They had snapped his original wand when he had been imprisoned. And exposure to dementors; no matter how long or how short, it affected more than just your mental state and emotions.

They then departed after Remus had allowed Petunia to grab his shoulder.

--

They arrived to the hustle and bustle of the lobby; briefly checking in at the desk for notation of their visit, and then quickly made their way following Petunia to where Harry was. Each trying to keep calm and not to overreact to whatever they thought they might see or hear.

Sirius was anxious to see Harry; Petunia could tell. His blue-grey eyes showed so many emotions right now. Remorse, guilt, concern, fear, and more. Remus was harder to read for her; yet she saw the worry too in his own eyes. It was clear that James and Lily had kept their friends closely as possible; something she knew was both good and bad for how things had ended up.

But also knew wouldn't have changed; nor would she have wanted it to. She only wished the ending had been more peaceful.

Sirius's breathing became harsh and erratic as he recognized the ward he was currently walking to. He had been very young the last time he was here. Regulus, his brother, had been born premature. Unhealthily so due to his mother's antics.

Petunia then gazed to her nephew, and she smiled as she then pointed. Sirius swallowed and walked to the glass as he then gazed inside; Remus beside him. Harry was awake and he was smiling with his wide and beautiful smile. Green eyes so vibrant and happy as he squealed when Tom smirked at him and tickled his tummy.

Sirius watched softly as the man cuddled his godson and seemed to truly care for him now that he understood the bond. Understood what it meant to be soul-bound. He didn't know if he would ever be able to fully forgive him for everything, but he knew he couldn't keep Harry from him either.

He would do more harm than he ever wanted.

Harry then started as he tilted his head off to the side and glanced at the glass window. His smile widened as he saw them.

"Pa'foot." He squealed, "Moo-nee..." He sounded and tried

Both of them smiled as tears rolled down their cheeks; seeing him so alive and happy. Tom now watching them with wariness, but not a kind that would keep them away or from interacting. However, he returned to smiling as Harry began to become insistent that he play more with him.

"I think, little one, that you need to calm some and relax." He told Harry gently, "You are going to hurt yourself again or me. I need to rest my body at times too, you know."

Harry then scrunched his cute little nose and made a face that Sirius and Remus cracked a smile to see; knowing well that Harry was not used to being denied anything he wanted.

Tom rolled his eyes at his little mate and made a rather exasperated face at Harry too, "I am not saying we cannot play, Harry. Just that I need a break for right now, and then you can have more fun later."