To Welcome You Home

Chapter 9

Harry didn't know how much time had passed since his 'incident' as the others called it.

However, with encouragement from the Weasley's, Hermione, Remus and Sirius, Harry was finally released from his restraints, and he no longer needed the feeding tubes. He wasn't able to move around much still, due to the amount of broken bones he had, but he wasn't restrained, so that was much better.

"We're proud of you, Harry." Hermione had said with a wide smile, and a hug.

For once... Harry agreed.

He was proud of himself.

Sirius and Remus were the only visitors he had at the moment. They were currently helping Harry eat, since he couldn't move his arms very well.

Sirius moved the peas to the other side of the plate, scooting them back to the first side. "This food they give you sucks ass." He grumbles, and Lupin gives him a death glare. "What? It's not like he hasn't heard it before."

Harry chuckles weakly at the interaction, the laugh interrupted with a coughing fit.

Remus quickly grabs a napkin and holds it to Harry's mouth until his coughing subsided. He pulls away and sits, looking at the napkin carefully. "You've stopped coughing blood - that's a great sign." He says, and Harry grins.

His grin slowly fades, and he looks down into his lap, fidgeting with his blanket hem, and Lupin watches him for a moment. "You're fidgeting. What's wrong?"

"I.." Harry started, pausing to take a deep, calming breath like Snape had taught him, before continuing, "I'm sorry.."

Sirius and Remus look to each other, before looking back up to Harry with concern. "What's on your mind?"

"I've just been thinking about.. How I acted... You've all been so kind to me.. And all I did was treat you like garbage.. So I.. I'm sorry." He looked up to them, tears in his eyes, a vague smile on his lips.

They both immediately lean over to hug him, holding him in that embrace for a little bit.

Harry closes his eyes and leans his head on both of their shoulders, tears falling.

He was so happy to have two amazing people like Remus and Sirius to take care of him.

His first family...

His first real family..
(Aside from the Weasley's, of course)

Eventually they pull away, and Remus wipes Harry's tears away, smiling gently and holding his cheek in his hand.

"You're an amazing kid, you know... Lily and James would be so proud."

Harry smiles sadly.

There was a knock at the door, and the Doctor poked his head in, "Visiting hours are over, sorry."

Remus nods. "I've got to go to Gringotts tonight anyways.. Been working on getting a place ready for the three of us." He smiles, winking at Harry, who was very excited to see this secret place.

He stands, and Sirius followed suit. They both leaned down and kissed Harry on his forehead.

"We'll see you tomorrow, kiddo. Try to get some sleep, okay?" Remus says, and Harry nods. "I will.. Bye."

Once they're gone, Harry leans back against his pillow, looking at the photo album with a soft, happy smile.

He wouldn't mind if his life continued like this forever..

However, as time passed, his bones began to heal.. With much physical therapy, encouragement, and love from his friends, and brand new family, he was finally - finally - released from St. Mungos.