The Prince

Chapter 7

The Support

Remus Lupin found his friend's son sitting on his bed, his face in his hands. He knew from the way his shoulders shook that he was sobbing. The Duke's heart bled for Harry. No one should suffer so much, he thought, especially one so young...he's just a boy still...

He walked up to the Prince and sat down next to him. He put an arm around his shoulders. Harry looked up at him, his face wet with tears.

"What's wrong, child?" Remus asked.

Harry told him all about his talks with the prisoners. Remus looked shocked.

"Have you gone mad? Do you seriously mean to do that? What if people support democracy?"

"Then the Prince shall leave them in peace."

"Where will you go?"

"You already know, Remus."

"No, Harry! Listen to me! This is insane. You cannot do this!"

"I have to. I never sought to be a tyrant, Remus. I only did what I thought ought to be done."

"But Harry..."

"No, Remus."

The Duke was quiet for a moment. He scrutinized his companion carefully. The determined chin told him all he needed to know. The Prince had taken his decision, and no one could move him from it.

"Very well, son. I shall accompany you, then."

"No!"

"Yes. I swore to be there by your side. Anyway, we need not worry at present. The people may choose you. You have been a good ruler, and there'll be many on your side."

Harry stared at his friend. He couldn't thank him enough for his support, so he put a hand on his shoulder and stood up.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Pronglet."

A smile lit up the handsome face. That name always cheered him up. Remus smiled to himself, wondering what was it about Harry that made him feel so protective about the youngster, even though he was the most powerful wizard alive.

"I'm sorry, Remus."

"For what?"

"The Prince has caused you great misery, has he not? And yet you continue to support him. Why? I appreciate the fact that you were loyal to my parents, Remus, but that does not require you to stand by the side of a tyrant, even if that tyrant is your friend's only son."

"You have not caused me any misery, Harry. I'm very proud of you, and I'm sure that if James and Lily and Sirius were here to see you, they would have been very proud of you as well."

"Did I tell you who the second-in-command at the base of the Resistance is?"

"No. You just told me that Hermione is the leader. And it doesn't matter."

"Tonks."

The Duke took a step back and sat down heavily on the bed. Harry sat down next to him.

"You see? I know you love her, Remus. I know that you want to join her. Only your sense of duty is holding you back. I free you from that. Let not the Prince plague your life."

Remus looked up at his monarch standing over him. The earnest look on his face caused the Prince to start. Even through his grief, Remus was able to see past Harry's façade and visualize the pain this was causing him. He realized with a start that the Prince was trying to be noble. He was trying to push him away. His respect for his monarch grew tenfold. Remus bent down on one knee and kissed the Prince's hand.

"The loyalty I owe you, my Lord, has nothing to do with your parentage. I am only aggrieved that I have not been able to convince you f my loyalty so far. I shall continue to serve you till my last breath - not because you are the son of James Potter, but because I believe that you are doing the right thing. Nothing comes in the way of my loyalty; not even my love. She shall see the error of her ways and we shall be together again. Otherwise, she shall be dealt with like the other rebels."

Harry, who had reddened when Remus had kissed his hand, felt a tear trickle down his face. He embraced Remus tightly.

"Thank you, Remus. Please forgive me for doubting you. I - I just didn't want you to be unhappy because of me; Merlin knows I've brought only misery to the people who have loved me. I'm sorry - I'm so sorry!"

"It's all right, my child, it's all right."

Harry went to the door and opened it. Just before leaving, he turned around and said softly, "Thank you, father."

Remus stared after him, his own eyes brimming.