Chapter Text
Sirius’ letters were few and far between, being on the run wasn’t making it easy by any means. But it just made every letter more important, he kept each carefully folded in his books and hidden under his bed. His friends' letters were in separate books, he had found amusement in picking a specific book for each person.
Hermione’ letter’s were carefully placed between the pages of Hogwarts: A History. Ron’s letters were between A History of Quidditch. Sirius’ were placed in the photo album Hagrid had given him of his parents, alongside the ones he got from Remus.
Everytime an owl appeared he would rush to open the window. He couldn’t find owl treats anywhere in the muggle world but he had found certain treats that the birds seemed to like and were safe.
Today he was looking at a letter in bewilderment. It had Gringotts listed as the sender, the bank's seal in gold wax on the back. He ripped it open.
‘Dear, Mr. Harry James Potter
We are contacting you due to the changes in your Magical guardianship. Understanding that you more than likely have not been told, we wish to inform you of both the changes and have both you and one of your potential guardians present. We have already contacted Mr. Sirius Orion Black III and Mr. Remus John Lupin to inform them of the potential change.
Please arrive at Gringotts, Diagon Alley Division, No earlier than 8:00am and no later than 10:00am, July 8th.
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
Diagon Alley Division, London’
Harry stared at the letter, eyes wide. He had assumed that with Sirius still being a fugitive that there was no chance of him regaining guardianship. And he was unaware that Remus was even an option due to his condition.
He brushed his hand over the owl’s feathers while pondering the letter, the animal pushing its head further into his palm. Birds were just easier to understand than people, Hedwig may get testy with him but she never let him down. Each bird, even if nasty, never lied to him.
He hoped the owl Sirius had sent developed the same connection with Ron.
Hedwig was with Hermione right now, so he couldn’t letter Remus right away, nor Sirius. He looked at the large barn owl.
“Would you be willing to send an extra letter for me before going back to Gringotts?” He asked the bird.
It blinked its large eyes at him before extending its leg. Harry gave it a few treats before sitting down to write a letter to Sirius.
Simply saying that he got the letter and that Sirius should under no circumstances try and go to Gringotts with him. That he’d letter Remus as soon as he had Hedwig back and ask the ex-professor to go with him instead. Sealing it off he tied it to the owl's leg and it took off, he didn’t know how the owls always found their wizards but they did.
Next he wrote up his letter to Remus, to have it ready to go as soon as Hedwig got back. Then he’d letter Ron and Hermione to ask about Magical Guardianship. If Ron didn’t know then Hermione would definitely find out.
He stared into the dark sky and thought about what he read. If Remus really could become his guardian, could he leave Privet Drive? Remus had access to Wolfsbane potion now, Dumbledore wouldn’t just cut him off even if he wasn’t a professor surely? He’d find someone to brew it for him.
Even if he didn’t, Harry was willing to live with it. He could just have a sleepover with Ron, or stay at the Leaky Cauldron for the full moon. He had more than enough money to afford it since it would only be in the summer. Anything to get away from the Dursleys. Anything to live with his Uncle.
Because Remus was his Uncle. He was one of dad’s best friends, they were as close as brothers, blood be damned. Remus was his Uncle, Sirius was his Uncle and Godfather, Pettigrew was a dirty rat who he often wished he let Sirius kill.
+x+
Harry was sitting on the sidewalk of Privet Drive waiting for Remus to come get him. He had assured Harry he would come and pick him up and that they could spend the day together after getting the Gringotts meeting over with.
The werewolf had been completely unaware he was eligible as Harry’s guardian. Harry had gotten Hermione to explain Magic Guardianship to him, and Ron gave him a list of reasons for Remus to be his legal guardian over Petunia, including an open invitation for sleepovers. But the most glaring problem was that none of them had any idea who Harry’s current Magical Guardian was.
A cab rounding the corner allerted Harry to Remus’ arrival, the werewolf climbed out and waved the driver off. Harry immediately hopped up and openly embraced the man. “How are you, Professor?”
“Harry, I think we are well past you calling me Professor.” he ruffled Harry’s constantly disheveled hair.
“I know, but it’s funny.” the teen said before separating from the hug. “Seriously, how are you?”
“As well as I can be, finding another job has been tricky with my- well.” He raised his eyebrows. “But if I can’t find anything in the Wizarding world I’ll have to find a muggle one, preferably something I can do remotely. Otherwise I’ll have to find an excuse for why I can’t come in once a month.”
“I hope you find something.” Harry said, worry for his Uncle clear in his voice.
“I will. Don’t worry pu- um Harry.” He corrected himself.
“Hmm?” Harry questioned but Remus just waved it off.
“Alright, let's head ‘round back out of sight, then we're off to the Leaky Cauldron.” The two walked around to the back of the Dursleys house, out of sight of most neighbors. Then Remus took hold of Harry’s arm and with a loud Crack! They disappeared.
Harry felt like his entire body was being pulled and spun, the only concrete thing was Remus’ hand on his shoulder. Finally his feet hit solid ground and he nearly toppled if not for Remus holding him up.
He was incredibly nauseous, but he gagged it down using nothing but sheer will and stubbornness. He was not going to throw up, he would reek the rest of the day, cleaning magic be damned.
“Alright Harry?” Remus rubbed soothing circles onto his back. “I should have warned you, I forgot how apparition feels for the first few times.”
Ah, apparition, that's what that was. He had just teleported and was trying not to barf on his shoes.
“M’ okay.” he finally croaked out standing up and adjusting his glasses where they had slid on his face a little. They were in a little corner of The Leaky Cauldron, probably set aside for apparators to travel into safely.
“Let's get you some water before we go on. Did you eat breakfast?” Remus was quickly growing concerned.
“No, but I’ll be fine. I’ll buy after we go to Gringotts, I can refill my money bag from my vault.” He insisted, he knew Remus was tight on money right now.
“You don’t have to pay for me Harry.” Remus saw through the statement immediately.
“Then at least let me pay for myself.” He challenged.
Remus sighed but there was a light in his eyes and a grin across his cheeks. “You're so much like James. He started hiding money in my pockets so I could afford sweets during school.”
Harry grinned, most of the time when people mentioned his and James Potter similarities they focused on looks, mischief, or quidditch. He heard so little about who he was outside of that. And he’s have to save that hiding money trick to use on Ron next chance he got, and Hermione. Neither had much in terms of wizarding gold.
Finally as his stomach settled and he drank the water Remus insisted on, Harry felt alright again. And they headed to the back, Remus’ tapping the brick to open the portal to Diagon Alley.
It was just as chaotic and beautiful as every other year, exotice pets flew above head or hopped from roofs and signs. Carts of toys and peculiarities popped up in the crannies between shops, and the flashed of magic brought so much life to the place as wizards and witches had no fear to show their powers.
It brought the biggest grin to his face every time. Lupin watched his best friend's son with a soft smile on his face, watching Harry be happy and excited was a sight he didn’t get to see nearly enough. He missed out on so much of the boy's life, he wanted to be a part of it now.
“We better hurry, it’s almost 8:30.” Harry checked his watch before walking confidently in the direction of the Wizarding bank. Remus walked slightly behind him, keeping his head bowed. Since Snape had let his nature slip a few months prior his picture had ended up in the profit. He would sometimes get nasty glares from people who knew what he was.
Harry seemed to catch on and pulled Remus beside him, holding his arm and walking with his head high. Remus blinked at the blatant show of loyalty before remembering exactly whose child this was, then another smile broke across his face.
Stepping through the bank's doors, Harry quickly remembered he had no idea what was going on and looked around for direction. Lupin directed him to one of the goblins sitting high above at their desk.
“We have and appointment for Mr. H. J. Potter and Mr. R. J. Lupin,” he told the goblin.
“Yes, we have been waiting for you. Follow Follrick here.” He gestured to the goblin who appeared moments after them.
They both followed Follrick to a decently sized room where he directed them to sit down before disappearing.
Waiting less than a minute another two goblins arrived, one carrying a large stack of papers and the other a very fancy gold quill. Neither introduced themselves but Harry decided to call them White and Grey based on the hair visible on each of them.
Grey set down the papers and looked at the two. “ Be forewarned that any attempt of deception in this room will result in a rather nasty hex and the immediate removal from the property as well as contacting Wizarding authorities. Mr. Harry James Potter, and Mr. Remus John Lupin, correct?”
“Yes.” Lupin said and Harry nodded.
“Very good. As the letter explained there had been a recent change in Mr Potter’s Magical Guardianship that must be addressed.” White said flipping open the top file on the stack and holding it out to them. “Upon the death of Mr. and Mrs. Potter, all available guardians listed here were in some way unavailable. Either due to death or Incarceration.”
Harry looked at the file.
‘Parents:
Father: James Fleamont Potter
Mother: Lily Jane Potter (former Evans)
Godfather: Sirius Orion Black
Potential Guardians:
Godfather: Sirius Orion Black
Godmother: Alice Larane Longbottom (former Prewett)
Uncle: Remus John Lupin’
Current Guardian:
Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumledore
Petunia Faith Dursley (former Evans)’
Harry stared at the page. “Professor Dumbledore is my guardian?” He asked the Goblins.
“Correct. He was placed so by the Ministry of Magic after a trial that determined your available guardians unfit. Due to one being incarcerated and the other being cited as not present in your life it was deemed that Professor Albus Dumbledore would be your guardian alongside your biological Aunt.” Grey explained. “However, seeing as both Mr. Sirius Orion Black and Mr. Remus John Lupin are no longer bound by those inhabitants; guardianship should be transferred at once.”
“I was never informed that I was eligible as Harry’s guardian?” Lupin gawked at the information.
“Such information was supposed to be given to you by the listed attorney for Mr. and Mrs. Potter, Albus Dumbledore.” Grey did not look surprised.
“He never said-” Lupin reread the papers.
“Sirius can now be my legal guardian?” Harry piped in, “Why is that a possibility when he’s still a fugitive?”
“Seeing as there was no trial there is no actual conviction to prevent Mr. Black from obtaining guardianship, or being held in prison to begin with.” White said with a slight grin, goblins had pointy teeth.
“No trial?” Lupin’s eyes shot up from the paper. “What do you mean there was never a trial?”
“Mr. Sirius Black was never given a trial for his crimes. Therefore he was never convicted.” White’s grin was still in view.
“Why those slimy-” Remus shouted, jumping to his feet. “12 years! 12 years in Azkaban and not only was he innocent he never even was convicted! How did Dumbledore allow this, how did the Order- why those double crossing-”
“He spent 12 years with dementors and they never gave him a trial.” Harry was in shock. “They were going to perform the dementor's kiss on a man who was never convicted?”
Remus paled and stopped his tirade. “They were going to suck out his soul…”
“A fate worse than death.” Grey agreed.
“The statute of limitations for murder cases at the Ministry is 10 years. He can’t be tried now.” Lupin said incredulously. “Sirius is a free man and they're still hunting him.”
“But we can do something about it right?” Harry said pleadingly. “Talk to the Ministry? Or Dumbledore?”
“The Ministry didn’t give him a fair trial the first time, no doubt they'd just cover it up now. And Dumbledore did nothing to stop it so that he could-” His eyes widened. “So that he can get his hands on you. That's why he never told me. If I took over guardianship he wouldn’t have any say over your life anymore.”
“But why?” Harry asked.
“That Damn prophecy.” Lupin growled, actually growled. “He wanted to have you right where he could find you for that damned prophecy.”
“Prophecy?” Harry asked, thinking of Trelawney's prediction at the end of last term.
“In addition there are other concerns that arise due to Mr. Albus Dumbledore's involvement.” White said, flipping to another page.
Lupin somehow paled further. “He wouldn’t dare.”
“He would indeed.” Grey nodded.
Lupin snatched the file and read through its contents quickly. He snarled and his teeth sharpened as his lips peeled back.
“Remus?” Harry grabbed his arm in concern.
“If you will follow us Mr. Lupin, we have a room where you may let off some steam.” White stood and Remus shook his head, eyes flashing between slits and round pupils. Following the goblin he dropped the file on the ground where Harry snatched it up.
“Is he okay?” Harry asked Grey who just watched the pair with disinterest.
“It seems that the information was so upsetting it triggered a partial transformation. Uncommon unless a werewolf is deeply upset, but we had reason to believe it could occur. Hence a room was prepared to contain his outburst until it calmed again.”
Harry looked back at the door his Uncle had disappeared into. There wasn’t sound but he imagined the angry snarls, growls, and barks of the wolf he met just a month prior. He felt a pain of regret at being involved in Remus’ current state, but it’s not like he could do much right now.
Instead Harry turned his attention to the file that upset Remus so badly.
‘Blood Spells.
Personality Parameters:
Stubborn, Overconfident, Desperation for Approval, Obedience towards selected persons, Recklessness, Self Destructive
Obedience geared towards the following:
Albus Perceval Wolfick Brian Dumbledore, Petunia Fatih Dursley (former Evans), Vernon Marckus Dursley, Molly Corel Weasley (former Prewett)
Disobedience geared towards the following:
Severus Tobias Snape-Prince, Tom Marvolo Riddle
Ability Limitations:
Intelligence: %24 Blocked
Strength: %20 Blocked
Adaptation: %36 Blocked
Empathy: %17 Blocked
Relationship Bindings:
Ronald Bilius Weasley (Platonic)
Hermione Jean Granger (Platonic)
Ginerva Molly Weasley (Romantic. Dually Bound. To Be Activated upon 16th Birthday)
Molly Corel Weasley (former Prewett) (Paternal)
Arthur Septimus Weasley (Paternal)
Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (Paternal)
Draco Lucius Malfoy (Enemy)
Tom Marvolo Riddle (Enemy)
Severus Tobias Snape- Prince (Enemy)
Appearance Parameters:
Black Messy Hair, Smaller Frame, Underweight, Poor Eyesight, Almond Shaped Green Eyes
Additional Magical Contracts and Spells:
Marriage Contract with Ginerva Molly Weasley, as approved by both Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and Molly Corel Weasley (former Prewett)
Tacking Spell to be accessed by Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Submitted and Approved by Legal Magical Guardian
Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumbledore’
Harry felt the paper slip from his hands and land on the floor. His mind was spinning, trying to comprehend what he had read. It felt so wrong and violating and yet there was something in his head that assured him that nothing was wrong.
Harry tugged on his hair to try and focus. Was his hair ever meant to be black? Or was that a cruel trick that Dumbledore had pulled on him. Was his hair meant to be fiery red like his Mother’s? Brown like Aunt Petunia’s? Was it always going to be Black?
Everything in him wanted to scream and demand answers but something was keeping his voice from rising.
“What does it mean? ‘Romantic Dually Bound’?” he asked.
“It means that Ms. Weasley has the same Blood spell placed upon her, to activate a romantic attraction between you two. Though I believe hers did not have an activation date and is instead already present.”
It made Harry sick to his stomach and he covered his mouth. These spells would have been put on them young wouldn’t they? And with the Marriage Contract, it was most certainly arranged. They were playing puppet with their love from when Harry was 1, from when Ginny would have been a newborn. It was disgusting and wrong. It was in his head and he wanted it out. It was in his blood and he wanted it gone.
“Rry- Harry-” Someone's hands were on his face and he realized abruptly that he was crying. Remus was back, in front of him, cupping his cheeks while he cried.
“I don’t- I don't-” Harry's breathing was faster than it should be, he needed to calm down, slow his breathing before he passed out. The Dursleys hated when he breathed too fast, the teachers at his old school had shouted at him for it. He hadn’t had an attack in front of anyone at Hogwarts thankfully, but one very concerned ghost had talked him through a breathing exercise in his second year. When Hernione almost died, when everyone was blaming him
“Please make it go away…” he begged Remus.
Remus just pulled the 13 year old into his arms and Harry sobbed into his shoulder. “How do I get them off?”
“The blood spells are due to be renewed at the end of the month, if you agree to become Mr. Potter's guardian we can have the order to not renew them and they will fade before the month ends.” One of the Goblins, Harry wasn't sure which, explained.
“I will. I’ll do anything.” Remus swore. “I’ll sign right now.”
“We have the documents here. Should Mr. Sirius Orion Black choose to take guardianship he will be made primary guardian per the parents request, but until that day you will be Mr. Potter's sole Magical guardian.” The goblin explained.
“I need my arm Puppy, we’ll get that nasty magic off of you.” Remus ran a hand through Harry’s hair before pulling his arm free from where Harry was clinging to it for dear life. He kept running his hand over his head until all the papers were signed.
“The blood spells should fade within the next week or so. I suggest you stay with Mr. Potter for at least until the end of the month to ensure no residual magic remains. When you are ready a goblin will be outside to escort you out. Good day gentlemen.”
Both Goblins left, Remus just went back to holding his Puppy. His puppy who was not going back to those Muggles, not if Remus could help it. Which, seeing as he was now Harry’s guardian, he did.
Harry could stay with one of his friends until then, he wasn’t comfortable with the Weasleys after seeing the agreed marriage contract. But he knew Harry was decently acquainted with Neville Longbottom, seeing as Alice was his godmother made that an option. Or he could leave his home, apparate far enough away for the full moon and then come back after his transformation was over.
He needed to letter Sirius, and plan to get him cleared. His house was tiny but it could fit two people well enough. He really needed to get a job to finance both of them, even if Harry's parents had left him enough for his school supplies. His puppy would need new clothes, decorations for his room, birthday presents at the end of the month.
This was not going to be easy by any means, but Remus was ready to start another war if it meant keeping Harry safe.
Harry meanwhile was trapped in his own head. How much of his life, his emotions, his mind, was tainted. Was he really himself? Or was he made entirely of what other people wanted him to be. Was he even a person?
He knew he loved his Uncle Remus. He knew he loved Sirius. He knew he hated the Dursleys. But how many of his other relationships were lies.
The one thing that he
knew
more than anything was that he was going to find everyone who did this to him and watch them burn. Starting with his dear headmaster.