That's My Boy

"Thank you again, Professor Dumbledore," Remus said as he and the Headmaster slowly made their way down the corridor. "I can´t tell you how glad I am to be of service."

"Not only that, but I´m sure you´re glad to have a job again, am I right?" Dumbledore said lightly. Remus smiled sheepishly.

"I must admit, money was getting a little tight. But I´m glad to have the job all the same. Its important. For me and for Harry."

"You´re right, Remus," Dumbledore said after a moment´s silence. "This is extremely important. Harry needs someone, especially right now. He needs someone to talk to, to trust, someone who cares for him. I´m afraid he hasn´t gotten any of that at his current residence." Remus´ fists tightened at the mention of the Dursleys, but he stayed silent. "Even to have an adult look after him for a few hours every day or so should suffice. I want reports, too, Remus, on his condition. I worry about the boy, you know."

"I do too," Remus said in a small voice.

"Not that I think he´s coming to any real harm, of course, but his life could be much better than it is. For an nine year old, he´s been through a lot."

Remus only nodded at this statement, and thought about the task ahead of him. He had been summoned here by Dumbledore rather urgently. It befuddled Remus as to what Dumbledore could possibly want of him, but he came willingly nonetheless. Dumbledore had been exceedingly kind to him in the past, and he figured that any favor Dumbledore gave him wouldn´t be enough to repay the debt owed. He was surprised to learn that Dumbledore wanted him to go into the other world, to pose as a Muggle. He was even more surprised to learn that his task was that of being somewhat of a guardian to young Harry Potter-the son of his late best friend, James. Now Remus saw that this was not only a favor to Dumbledore, but also to that of his fallen friend, who had died tragically eight years earlier. The wounds were still fresh for Remus and he hoped that this would be his way of making peace with James and Lily´s passing.

Dumbledore had showed Remus many pictures of Harry growing up over the years. Of course, none of these pictures were taken with a camera-those horrible Muggles Harry lived with would sooner die than take a picture of him-but were instead created in a mist by Dumbledore. Remus had marveled at the striking physical similarities between Harry and James, and indeed, had fought back tears. But it wasn´t until Dumbledore summoned Harry´s personality that Remus actually felt sad. Harry was small, quiet, and withdrawn. He seemed to be frightened of his own shadow, and whenever he spoke it was almost in a whisper. It broke Remus´ heart to see the son of his best friend so obviously suffering. James had been boisterous, outgoing, funny and charismatic; Harry was the exact opposite of this.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Remus asked briskly, "When do I start?"

Dumbledore produced a packet of papers from the folds in his cloak and handed them to Remus. "This contains everything you´ll need for your stay. You have a lot to learn about Muggle life. Good luck, Remus," he said, shaking Remus´ hand. "You´re a good man."

"Professor," Remus stuttered, having worried about this for some time. "What about...what about...you know, full moons?"

"You´re responsible enough to know when they´re going to occur, Remus. Just lock yourself in your house until your transformation is over."

"What about...can I tell him...can I tell him about James?"

Dumbledore looked at him carefully, as if trying to come to a decision. "Yes," he said slowly, after a moment´s hesitation. "I´m only allowing this so Harry doesn´t grow up not liking his parents. Only tell Harry about his parents when you are sure that he trusts you, and you trust him. But make it absolutely clear to Harry that he mustn´t tell the Muggles that he is associating with anyone who knew his parents. Also, what ever you do, do not tell Harry about being a wizard." He smiled. "That will all come to him in time, I promise, Remus," Dumbledore said patiently. "You best be off, then."

"Yes, right," Remus sighed. "Thank you, sir, I-"

"No need," Dumbledore interrupted with a wave of his hand. Remus smiled, and prepared himself to apparate to 7 Privet Drive...