Cub, Wolf, and Dog

Chapter 5- Nicknames, Friends and a Dursley?

Pain that was all Harry could feel for a moment he thought he was at the Dursleys. Fear immediately rushed through him, snapping his eyes open he squinted to look where he was.

Looking towards the door Harry saw an outline of someone, without his glasses and him still feeling confused he started to panic and stiffened waiting for a blow to come.

"Harry calm down," instructed the voice.

I know that voice, thought Harry a flood of memories assaulted him being taken away from the Dursleys, being told about magic, Padfoot and Moony, going back to the Dursleys, the attack, and the transformation.

Harry began to relax but he still couldn't understand why he was hurting.

"Hurt," mumbled Harry trying to curl up.

Sitting on the edge of the bed Sirius asked quietly, "What was that, little one?"

"It hurts," repeated Harry.

Sighing, Sirius picked Harry up and placed him on his knee and gently began rocking him back and forth whilst saying, "I know Harry, it will be better later I promise,"

"Make it better?" asked Harry his voice cracking.

"Just sleep Harry, just sleep," soothed Sirius.

He carried on rocking the small boy till his breathing evened out; very gently Sirius eased the boy back onto his bed.

Getting up he draped the blankets over Harry and then left the room. Going a bit further down the hall he entered Remus' bedroom.

Remus was sitting up reading a book; he looked up when Sirius entered.

"Morning," greeted Remus, marking his place in his book and putting it on his bedside table.

"How are you feeling Moony?" asked Sirius closing the door.

"Sore but alright. How is Harry doing?" answered Remus.

"He said he was hurting," explained Sirius, "I didn't know what to do so I told him to just sleep,"

"That is all you can do," agreed Remus stretching.

As Remus' nightshirt rode up slightly Sirius caught sight of a purplish bruise.

"Remus pull up your shirt a minute," instructed Sirius.

"Beg your pardon?" asked Remus confused.

"Pull up your shirt," repeated Sirius.

"Sirius I am not pulling up my shirt!" exclaimed Remus indignantly.

Sighing Sirius leant forward and pulled the night-shirt up much to Remus protesting, but all protest fell onto deaf ears, he noticed the bruise was shaped like two small paws. Letting the shirt go he sat back, Remus had turned a nice shade of red.

"Sorry about that," apologized Sirius.

"Care to tell me why you were so eager to look under my nightshirt?" asked Remus.

"I saw a bruise thought it may have been bad," answered Sirius.

"No, that was just from Harry," responded Remus.

Nodding Sirius replied, "Right, well that-hang on did you remember all of the night then?"

"Most of it, I don't remember accepting Harry into my pack, but I can feel it," explained Remus yawing.

"I'm happy for you Remus. Now you need to rest I'll see you tomorrow," replied Sirius getting up from the bed.

Snuggling down Remus mumbled, "Night Sirius."

Sirius left the bedroom and went down for something to eat. Entering the kitchen he spotted the Daily Prophet picking it up he read the front page and nearly choked.

The-Boy-Who-Lived-Abused!

An anonymous witch reported that she saw Harry Potter being taken to his Aunts by Sirius Black-Harry Potter's godfather-.

She recalled that words were exchanged between the young Potter and Black. Before Black diasapparated presumably back home.

Little Harry potter was roughly pulled into the house by his Aunt the witch said she couldn't seem to get close enough to the house to hear what was going on.

But she did say that Harry Potter looked petrified as he entered the house.

The next day Sirius Black, along with the werewolf Remus Lupin, came back and collected an unconscious and bleeding Harry Potter.

Daily Prophet reporters went around to the house later that day and tried to talk to Mr Vernon Dursley-Harry Potter's Uncle- but the man replied rather shortly with these exact words.

"I do not care for the little freak and he should have been drowned at birth."

These words has prompted this reporter to ask, has our saviour-Harry James Potter-been abused and why has nothing been done about it?

Reported by

Rita Skeeter.

Sirius threw the paper down in disgust he really could have done without the Daily Prophet knowing that Harry had been abused.

Sighing Sirius took some parchment, ink and drafted a letter to Albus Dumbledore to see if he knew who may have told the Prophet.

Finishing it off he called for their owl, Arrow, and tied the letter to her leg and let her go.

He had a rather quick dinner that evening and went to bed early, if it did get proven that Harry was abused the Dursleys would be given over to the Dementors in Azkaban and no one except Voldemort himself disserved that.

***

When Harry woke again he wasn't in any pain he just ached. Sitting up he put his glasses on and began getting dressed.

He put on a t-shirt and jumper with a small picture of a lion on it, pulled on his blue jeans, socks and top it off with he put a thin robe on.

Leaving his bedroom Harry went into the bathroom, used the toilet, washed his hands and brushed his teeth.

Once he had finished Harry left the bathroom and went downstairs, he was just about to enter the kitchen for breakfast when he over heard Remus' and Sirius' conversation. Curious to what they were on about he stayed and listened.

"He doesn't deserve that place Remus," fumed Sirius.

"Vernon Dursley abused your godson and you don't want him to be sent to Azkaban. I think you need to really consider that Sirius," retorted Remus.

"You don't understand Remus," responded Sirius shortly.

"I understand that you are letting someone guilty walk away. Harry will never be free of him until action is taken against him," snapped Remus.

"That's exactly it Remus, if we take action against him it needs to be something that will last," explained Sirius, "I watched when they brought new Death Eaters in I watched as they went insane within two days, Dursley needs more done to him,"

Sighing Remus replied, "If you want him to suffer why won't you send him to Azkaban people suffer in there Sirius, you did,"

"What for him to go insane within the hour, it isn't enough," answered Sirius, "Harry lived five years under his scrutiny, he needs to suffer like Harry did,"

Remus had a thoughtful look on his face when he replied, "Well if you want him to suffer get him to associate with the very people he despises, and then send him to Azkaban,"

"Hmmm......that sounds alright, I'll send an owl to Albus to see what he thinks," agreed Sirius.

Harry heard Sirius get up and head towards the door; he was just at the bottom of the stairs when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around he saw a questioning look on Sirius face. At least he isn't angry yet, thought Harry.

"Harry what are you doing?" asked Sirius.

"Um... I was just... well you see... sorry..." answered Harry no matter what he couldn't seem to lie to Sirius.

"I think we should go sit down and have a little talk," replied Sirius.

He was trying to remain calm but he was irritated that Harry thought he had to eavesdrop to find out things. Harry was shaking on the inside he didn't want to get hit, but Sirius was being calm, a little to calm.

Sirius steered Harry into the kitchen and into a chair, he took his seat and scribbled something and passed it to Remus. Remus read the note and then nodded at Sirius to show his understanding.

"Harry would you care to tell us why you were eavesdropping on our conversation?" asked Remus calmly.

At first Harry didn't answer and he carried on looking at the table finding it very interesting.

"Harry?" questioned Remus again.

Harry looked down and answered, "I didn't want to disturb you so I listened,"

"Harry look at us," instructed Remus.

Harry looked up is innocent emerald eyes showed his fear of being hit. As he looked from Remus to Sirius he noticed they were both slightly disappointed with him.

"Harry you know you could have just walked in to the kitchen and we would have told you what you wanted to know," explained Sirius.

"I didn't want to know, I just listened. I didn't 'ealize till you said my name," protested Harry.

"Harry that still does not excuse your behaviour," replied Sirius shortly.

"I'm sorry," apologized Harry quietly.

"Very well apology accepted," replied Remus, "But since you did do something wrong we can't just let is slide,"

"You won't hit me will you?" asked Harry softly.

Shaking his head Sirius answered, "We would never hit you. So this is your punishment you can not see Ron till tomorrow and its bed at half past seven all week,"

"Okay," responded Harry.

"Right did you finish that little writing task I set you?" asked Remus.

The punishment they would have used was sending Harry to his room and staying there till he had thought about his wrong doing. But after what they had uncovered they had decided to just use simple things until he was use to being punished for doing something wrong and not just all the time.

Another thing was when Harry first arrived the two of them had agreed to teach Harry a few basic skills like reading, writing things like that.

"Yes," answered Harry.

"Well since you have nothing to do you can bring it down, once you have had breakfast," explained Sirius.

Harry was tucking into his breakfast hungrily; he knew it was due to the fact that he had not eaten anything for the last two days.

"He needs a nickname," Sirius said suddenly.

"Nickname?" asked Harry curiously.

"Well, you are a werewolf, and Remus and I have nicknames it is only right that you do," answered Sirius smiling.

"Oh," replied Harry.

"What do you think we should call him Moony?" questioned Sirius.

"Um......I'm not to sure Paws?" suggested Remus.

Laughing Sirius replied, "Paws where did you get that?"

"The bruise on my side is shaped as his paws it seemed to fit," explained Remus shrugging.

"I got it!" exclaimed Sirius triumphantly.

"You sound as thought you pulled it from thin air," commented Remus.

"No I pulled it from your side," replied Sirius, seeing Remus' confused look he elaborated, "Bruises are always tender, well instead of paws you use foot. Put the two words tighter you get Tenderfoot."

Harry's eye brows raised that high they were in danger of disappearing. Remus burst out laughing at Harry's expression and Sirius soon joined him.

"What you both laughing at me for?" asked Harry.

"Nothing Tenderfoot," answered Sirius.

"Tenderfoot?" asked Remus.

"Yes that is his nickname," answered Sirius.

A warm feeling spread in Harry's stomach he never had a nickname before and he kind of liked it. A glowing smile spread across Harry's face.

Soon the look of happiness turned into a concentrating frown as he worked on some simple spellings. True to their word Sirius and Remus did send him to bed at half past seven.

***

Harry was sitting on Remus knee, he was supposed to be listening to a story of his parents but he just couldn't seem to concentrate on their voices.

He was thinking about his best friend-Ron Weasley- and how he would take the news that his friend was a werewolf.

Moony said he was alright with him but how would he like me? Thought Harry confused, I know the wizarding world don't like werewolf's but Ron should still like me, shouldn't he I mean-

"Harry are you listening?" asked Remus.

Shaking away his thoughts Harry answered, "No, sorry,"

"Don't be sorry, obviously something is bothering you, what is wrong?" asked Sirius dismissing Harry's apology.

"Will Ron hate me?" questioned Harry bluntly.

"Why would he hate you?" queried Remus, although he had a vague idea as to what Harry was talking about.

"'Cause of my Lycan...uh...werewolfism," answered Harry making up his own word.

"Lycanthrope," corrected Sirius, "And we wont lie to you Harry Ron may not like you any more because of it,"

"B-But I never had a friend before," confessed Harry.

Smiling gently Remus replied, "well you have done very well as you now have two friends me and Padfoot,"

"No your not," replied Harry.

"Were not, then what are we?" asked Sirius.

"My second daddies," answered Harry proudly.

"Second?" queried Remus curiously.

"Well my first daddy died, so he is in heaven with mummy, so you are both my second daddies," explained Harry.

Remus and Sirius shared identical brilliant smiles; they didn't always understand little Harry's logic but that made perfect sense to them. It seemed Harry had finally got what he wanted most in the world a loving family.

"You are so very right, Harry," replied Remus, kissing the top of Harry's head.

"Can Ron come over today?" asked Harry changing the subject.

"It depends he may be out," answered Sirius.

"Okay but could we try to con...act him?" questioned Harry.

"Very well but don't be disappointed if he is not in," explained Remus.

Agreeing Harry climbed down off Remus' knee and kneeled besides the fireplace waiting patiently for Sirius. Sirius kneeled besides Harry took some floo powder, threw it into the fire sticking his head in he shouted 'The Burrow'.

Harry sat watching as Sirius' shoulders moved with his speech; he really hoped Ron could come round. A few minutes later Sirius pulled his head back and the green flames returned to their natural colour.

"Ron will be round in an hour," commented Sirius, standing up and dusting off his knees.

"Why?" asked Harry.

Sirius just stared at Harry for a minute or two; it was the first time Harry had actually questioned Sirius answer.

"Because he is asleep," answered Sirius getting over his shock.

"Okay," replied Harry.

Getting up off the cold floor, Harry sat back on Remus' knee. He felt rather sleepy himself, yawning he rested his head on Remus' chest and let the steady beat of his heart lull him to sleep.

Opening his eyes in what only felt like a few minutes Harry heard his two guardians talking quietly to one another, he just sat and listened to them.

"Harry we know you are awake," said Remus.

Looking up Harry blushed slightly before replying, "I wasn't eavesdropping' how long was I asleep?"

"About twenty five minutes," answered Sirius

"How much longer till Ron gets here?" asked Harry sitting up.

"Half an hour, why don't you go play for a bit and we'll send Ron up when he comes," instructed Remus.

Agreeing Harry jumped off Remus' knee and went upstairs, entering his bedroom Harry pulled a book from his low shelf's and sat on his bed and began teaching himself to read.

Back downstairs Remus and Sirius were still waiting for Ron to turn up.

"How do you think Ron is going to react to it?" asked Sirius.

"It depends on what he has been told about werewolf's." answered Remus.

"I really hope he decides to stick by Harry," replied Sirius.

"I know," agreed Remus.

The two fell silent and continued waiting for Ron to turn up. Half an hour later there fire turned green and Ron fell out landing on his bum yet again.

"Hello Ron and how are you?" asked Remus helping the five year old up.

"Fine thank you," answered Ron politely.

"Harry is waiting for you upstairs; you'll know which one is his," put in Sirius.

Ron did not need telling twice as he smiled and headed up to Harry's room. Standing at the top of the stairs Ron took a look around, he was standing in a short hallway with five doors. Walking down the hallway he came to the first door it had a plaque with the words; Harry's Room, on it.

Smiling Ron opened the door and went in to find his best friend sitting on his bed reading a rather complicated looking book.

"Hey Harry," greeted Ron.

Snapping his head up Harry saw his best friend, before replying, "Hey Ron come sit down."

Ron sat next to Harry and glanced over at the book, he couldn't read any of the big words.

"What you reading Harry?" asked Ron curiously.

"Um... I don't really know," answered Harry, closing up the book, "Could I tell you something in se-cr-et?"

"Yep," answered Ron enthuastically.

With five older brothers he never got told any secrets, so he could go home today and brag that someone told him a secret.

"Do you like werewolves?" questioned Harry nervously.

"'Pends who they are," answered Ron baffled as to what that had to do with 'The Secret'.

"Well you know me," began Harry slowly, "And you like me and you're my bestest friend, and...well...I am a werewolf."

Ron went pale, did he just say? Thought Ron. Without warning Ron jumped up and ran out of the room and into the bathroom.

He sat down on the toilet seat and let it sink in. my friend is a werewolf, thought Ron; he gets hurt every month 'cause he is a monster. No, mum said that people are only monsters if the person kills someone. But that is what a werewolf does, kills people so my best friend is a murder. No he can't be if he was he would not tell me. But what if he told me 'cause I'm next what if-

A loud knocking interrupted his thoughts sliding off the toilet seat and went over and opened the door, he came face to face with Remus.

"I-is Harry okay?" stuttered Ron.

"He is upset, what happened Ron?" asked Remus gently.

He may have been upset with the young boy, but there was no need to scare him by shouting at him.

"He said he is a werewolf and I panicked," answered Ron, "Do werewolf's kill?"

"Only if provoked and only if they know their pray is weaker than them," explained Remus.

"Oh," replied Ron feeling stupid at his thoughts.

"Come on you need to apologize to Harry," put in Remus.

The two walked in silence back down to Harry's bedroom. The door was open and as he peeked inside Ron saw Harry being cuddled by Sirius.

"Sirius, Harry, Ron has something he want to say," interrupted Remus.

Ron stepped into the room and said, "I'm sorry Harry I don't hate you. I just didn't think right, sorry."

Harry watched as Ron apologized to him, no one had ever apologized to him before it was kind of strange.

"That's okay," answered Harry a smile blooming on his face.

"Now no more arguing or Ron will go home is that clear?" asked Sirius.

Both five year olds nodded and they sat silently till Remus and Sirius had gone before they began talking.

Both boys spent the rest of the afternoon in high spirits. Harry explained his nickname and a little bit of his heightened senses around the full moon. He didn't tell of the pain and that he could not remember anything whilst in wolf form.

***

"She is not coming anywhere near him!" exclaimed Sirius angrily.

"Sirius she has something of Lily's that needs to be passed on to Harry," repeated Remus.

It was half past nine at night on the Friday; they had received a letter from Dumbledore early that day telling them they had to let Petunia Dursley into their home.

"If she does have something then she can give it to Albus and then he can give it to Harry," protested Sirius.

"There has to be something he wants us to see in her," pointed out Remus.

Sighing Sirius asked, "What about Harry? He has only just started trusting us bring a Dursley here and what do you think will happen? He'll get terrified and I am sorry Remus but I won't allow it,"

"Sirius I understand your concern but his is obviously important otherwise Dumbledore wouldn't have sent us the owl," explained Remus calmly.

It was hard for him to try to stay calm at someone who had hurt a member of his pack, the wolf was just below the surface trying to get out and play with the woman. It took all of Remus self control not to give in and remain his calm self.

"I don't know Remus," began Sirius uneasily, "I mean all you have to do is mention Dursley and Harry shakes and pales. Seeing the Dursleys will be painful for him and I do not think he is ready for that,"

"Well then she comes over when Harry is in bed," responded Remus.

Sighing again Sirius replied, "Fine tomorrow once he is in bed, she can come,"

"I'll send an owl to Dumbledore letting him know," replied Remus.

Remus left the room and sent a letter to Dumbledore telling him she could come and what time to arrive. Going back into the living room he saw Sirius staring at the picture on the mantel piece.

It was on of him, Sirius, James, Lily and baby Harry. Peter had taken the photo and in a strange way he was grateful to him for that.

"None of this should have happened," said Sirius his voice choked up with emotion.

"You are right Sirius, but it did and you can not change the past," explained Remus, "Live for now and not for the past."

Sirius just nodded and continued to stare at the picture. They all looked happy and carefree; they would all wave and then go back to laughing. Harry was trying to catch hold of his mum's hair.

***

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Sirius got up and opened the door, without saying a word he stepped aside so the person could enter.

Petunia Dursley stepped inside the house nervously, she had her hood up so no one could see her face, but she couldn't stop from feeling terrified if Vernon knew she was here...well she shuddered to think.

As soon as Petunia had stepped into the house Remus could smell her fear it was just pouring off her in waves.

"You have something for Harry drop it and leave," instructed Sirius coolly.

"Tell me are you going to charge Vernon with child abuse?" asked Petunia.

"Why do you want to know?" questioned Sirius.

"So that I know what to tell my son," lied Petunia.

"Petunia do not lie to us we know you know what to say to your son, so why?" repeated Sirius.

"Because I am his wife and as his wife I have a right-"

"That is bullshit Petunia the only 'right' you have is to be notified by letter!" fumed Sirius angrily.

Losing her patients Petunia pulled down her hood and retorted, "This is why, I do not want to be a victim like 'The boy' I do not want to have to watch my son grow into his father!"

On her face was a green mark, it was obviously an old bruise but the way she was standing told them that it was not a one time occurrence, obviously Vernon Dursley had lost his play toy and now was hitting his wife to make up for it.

"Yes we are taking him to court, wizarding court," spoke up Remus.

"Thank you, here Lily left this to her son," replied Petunia.

She placed the bag on the floor then turned around lifted her hood back up and left. A small sniffle brought the two men's attention to the stairs.

Sitting at the top of the stairs was a crying Harry, getting up Remus went to Harry and picked him up and brought him down.

"How much did you hear?" asked Remus softly.

"All...of...it..." sobbed Harry.

"She can't hurt you any more Harry," comforted Remus, walking upstairs to give him a cuddle.

Harry didn't respond he just cried away his fears soon he found himself in his warm bed and in no time at all he has fast asleep.

Chapter 6

New friends,

Accidental magic,

Court time.