Honestly, the next couple of days are a blur. I know steps were taken to ensure that the ministry could not interfere with my life or property. I already had a room at the Potters from staying there during the summer. Now whatever I wanted to bring from my parents house was put in my room. I vaguely recall going to Diagon Alley to get our things for the new school year. So many things were happening that it was hard to keep up.
I do recall the funeral clearly. It was August 31. The weather matched my mood. Gloomy and then it started to rain. Everything was done at the grave site close to our home. The property had belonged to my dad's parents. My mother was buried beside my father, whose grave was still obviously rather new. On the other side of my dad was the graves of his parents. My mom's parents were also buried here.
I felt isolated from the rest of the world. The Potters were there as were the other Marauders but I felt alone. When we returned to the Potters I locked myself in my room and finished packing my trunk.
I completely emptied my trunk and repacked it to include my record player and records, pictures of my family and an old coat that had belonged to my father in addition to my uniforms and other school things. I normally would not have taken so many things not related to school. This year was not a normal year.
Mrs. Potter brought a tray to me with my dinner on it. I thanked her and sat down to eat. She stopped at the door and turned to me.
"Remus, if you want to be alone for now we understand. Mr. Potter and I just want you to know that we are here if you need us son. We love you," and having said that she walked out of the room. I sat there for several minutes. I decided I didn't want to be alone so I took my tray and went down to the kitchen. I stuck my head in the door and said, "would you mind if I joined you?"
"Come on in Remus," James encouraged.
I sat between James and Mrs. Potter as we ate dinner and dessert. Afterward, Mr. Potter asked us to sit with him for a few minutes in the den. James and I exchanged glances indicating that neither of us knew what was coming.
"Boys, I need to tell you both a few things before you leave for school. I was hoping Sirius would be here for this..."
"I am Mr. Potter. Hang on one sec."
We turned to see Sirius standing in the fireplace dusting himself off. He joined us on the sofa and the three of us settled in for whatever was about to be dropped on us.
"I realize you three are only 13. There are many who think you are too young but considering who you are and what you have already been through I believe you deserve to know." He paused for a moment before he continued, "There is a powerful dark wizard who calls himself Lord Voldemort that has been rising to power over the past few years. In response to this threat Albus Dumbledore has established a group known as The Order of the Phoenix. Remus, your father was a member and it is because of his work that he was killed. I am also a member along with several others. We are not a part of the Ministry. We are a secret group devoted to fighting evil.
I think it is important that you know that some of Sirius' family have joined his followers which are known as Death Eaters. You should also know that some of the people you guys had trouble with your first year have become Death Eaters as well.
I'm telling you boys all of this to help you understand what's going on around you. We are fighting a war. I am concerned that some of the fighting will spill over into the hallways of Hogwarts and I want you to be aware." He paused for a moment before looking up, "James and Remus, I have signed your permission form for you to go to Hogsmeade on those weekends. I want you boys to promise me you will watch out for each other."
