Curse of Fate

Title: Curse of Fate
Author: Mistress Nika
Rating: PG-15 (Yes, 15. That's somewhere between PG-13 and R)
Summary: Thousands of years into the future, vampire Harry only wants to join his loved ones in death. However, his curse of immortality is absolute. Therefore he sends himself back into the body of his infant self, vowing to this time refuse eternity. When do things ever go according to plan? Unexpected changes to the timeline, people who aren't as they once were and more send his life spiraling out of his control.
Pairings: Harry/Lucius(main), possible Harry/Severus, possible Lucius/Severus, possible Harry/Lucius/Severus, Sirius/Remus, Theo/Hermione, possible Theo/Blaise, possible Hermione/Ginny, Draco/Luna, possible one-sided Harry/Luna on Luna's part, possible Hermione/Pansy, Cedric/Eleanor(OC), past Harry/Ginny
Warnings: AU, het, slash, angst, language, violence, time travel, VampireHarry, DarkLordHarry
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter Ten:
Remus and Sirius were still holed up in the werewolf's bedroom long after the sun had retreated below the horizon. They had skipped lunch and dinner and forgotten about everything but each other for several very pleasant hours. Now it seemed Sirius was once again beginning to think with his brain instead of certain other body parts.

"Mooooonyyy..."

Remus chuckled as he felt strong arms tighten around him. "Yes, Padfoot?"

"I got some questions for you." Sirius said in a sing-song voice. Remus almost swore his eyes actually glittered with amusement in the dark.

"Oh dear lord." he muttered with a roll of his eyes, a smile pulling at his lips. "Go ahead."

Sirius chuckled and nuzzled at his cheek. "That's an interesting tattoo you've got there on your arm."

"That's not a question, Padfoot." he responded teasingly. "That's a statement." He knew Sirius had seen his Dark Mark at the beginning of their little tryst. If he had any objections he would have voiced them then.

"Mmm. You're right. How's this? Would that be the infamous Dark Mark?" When Remus started to reply, he quickly added, "Yes or no only, my dear Moony. Only that will satisfy me."

"Well, we can't have you left unsatisfied." Remus laughed. "Yes."

"I see. And would that mean, you are a Death Eater?"

"Yes and no."

"I'll have to question you more on that later, when you're not restricted to yes and no answers." Pausing a moment, he seemed to think on what to ask next, but was in reality using the moment to play with Remus' hair. "Is this your house?"

"No."

"Who's is it?"

"I-" Remus glared at the animagus. "You said yes and no."

Sirius laughed again. "Alright. One word answers then. Who's house is it?"

"Harry's."

"Really?" Sirius seemed to switch from languid contentedness to absurdly perky in an instant. "Harry's here? Where?"

"Out." Remus replied smugly, knowing he would demand more than one word on that.

"Where? Why? What's going on?" he demanded pouncing Remus and stradling him. He stared into his eyes, begging for answers. Remus just smiled.

"One word answers, my dear Padfoot. Remember?" he smirked back at him.

Sirius groaned and threw his head back in frustration. "So I have a short memory! Take advantage of it! Tell meee!" he whined pathetically before attacking Remus' neck with his tongue.

"Keep that up and I'll be incapable of speech."

"Well, tell me first...then I'll render you speechless." he replied with a lecherous grin, moving back to sit on Remus' legs.

With a sigh, Remus sat up. Time for that ever popular long story. He wondered absently whether Harry had any firewhisky left. He had certainly needed it and he figured Sirius would as well. "How's your Occlumency, Padfoot?" he began.

-SCENE BREAK-

Diagon Alley was dark and nearly deserted. Most reputable shops had closed hours ago and only a few people lingered here and there. No sane witch or wizard would be out this late. Everyone knew Dark Creatures roamed the streets at night. So when a drunken wizard was forcibly ejected from the Leaky Cauldron into the Alley, he very wisely let out a short shriek of fear. Of course, being drunk, it wasn't because of the very idea of where he was this late. No, it had to do with the fact that he had landed at the feet of two figures cloaked from head to toe in black.

One was tall, very tall from where he lay sprawled on the ground, and carried a wicked looking snake head cane. All that was visable of his face was a disdainful sneer directed at him. The other was small, red hair visable as it fell past his hood and over his shoulders with strangely slitted gold eyes that shone brightly in the dark, much like a cat's.

The smaller one suddenly knelt down before him and peered into his face.

"You should go home," he said in dulcet tones, his voice young but dangerous and lightly accented. "There are vampires in the Alley tonight." He punctuated his words with a snister grin, exposing glistening white fangs.

"Aah! Aaahhh!" the man screamed, bursting back through the door of the inn, running all the way to the floo as if he were being chased by Death itself.

Harry chuckled and stood up.

"In a playful mood tonight, are we?" Lucius asked with a smirk.

Harry flashed his companion a cheeky grin, gold eyes dancing playfully. "You've forgotten your place," he said with mock severity. "I should Crucio you for that."

"Yes." Lucius replied with suave elegance. "But then my screams would bring the Aurors running. What would you do then?"

"But you don't scream, Lucius." Harry replied mimicing his tone. "You're far too proud for that."

"Perhaps. However, standing here isn't getting us any closer to our destination. We should move on, my lord."

Harry waved his hand dismissively. "Don't call me that here." he replied as they resumed heading for the entrance to Knockturn Alley. "In this form, I go by Aaron Mordant. Call me either Aaron or Lord Mordant when we're in the Alley. In Noctivagus, you may call me your lord again."

"I notice you have an accent while under this glamour, but it's not one I recognize." Lucius said conversationally as they turned down the much darker street.

"Ah." Harry replied, ignoring the many eyes that watched them warily from the shadows. "That's because it's not one particular accent, more an amalgamation of several different ones. When you know hundreds of different languages and actually remember speaking them as your native tongue, they tend to overlap. I believe what you're hearing is a combination of the mother tongues of three of my predecessors. One French, one Japanese and another Russian. I find that, even if someone were to make a connection between Aaron Mordant and Harry Potter, a simple thing like an accent one has that the other doesn't is often enough to discourage them from the idea that they are one and the same."

Lucius shook his head in wonder. "Once again, I'm reminded of just how extraordinary you are."

They were currently headed for Noctivagus, a tavern deep in Knockturn Alley mainly for vampires, although other creatures of the Dark could sometimes be found there. Harry had recieved a note just after sundown from an unexpected person while he was talking with Lucius in his study. The little slip of paper had simply appeared on his desk, lending credit to it's authenticity.

"To Whom It May Concern,
"I'm afraid I don't know how I should address you. We've met only once, though I suspect for you our relationship runs far deeper than mere aquaintances. I would like to congratulate you on a masterfully executed performance. I saw the entire thing and was very impressed. You have control over abilities and forces even I have found elusive at times. I am sincerly glad that you freed Mr. Padfoot. May you and your family have many years of happiness.

"Now, to the point. You called me by my name in the City, though I had not given it. As you should know, only I remember the secrets of shadow control. They have been lost even to the other First Ones. I have neither the intention, nor the ability, to impart this knowledge to anyone else. Therefore, the only way you could gain this ability is if I gave you my Curse. I would like to meet my successor again, perhaps get to know one another. If you know me as only my heir could, you will know I would never lead you into a trap. If you are not my heir, I don't expect I shall be seeing you.

"I shall wait at the tavern Noctivagus in the wizard's place, Knockturn Alley, at midnight tonight. You may come alone or with friends if it will make you feel more comfortable. I will bring my children so that you may meet.

"Sincerly,
"Malak"

Suffice to say, he immediately decided to meet the man. Ever since his death, there had been an empty place in his heart that only his Master could fill. The chance to meet the children of his Master that he never knew was also a draw. He had ended up asking Lucius along simply because he didn't want to go alone and Remus and Sirius were...busy. He knew Lucius would play an important role in his plans and wanted the man to have as much credence and respect among his associates as possible.

As they entered, Harry glanced around, accessing their surroundings. The tavern was dimly lit by torches. Tables spotted the outer room, some out in plain view, others secreted away in the shadows. All sorts of people filled the place, some in wizard's robes, some wearing muggle clothes and others wearing little at all. At a table near the door three youthful male vampires drank some kind of bloody liquer, laughing and talking animatedly. In contrast, a lone figure in black sat against a far wall, alone and watchful.

Harry noticed several sets of eyes snap over to them as he led his companion to the bar. He sneered at their obviousness as he heard them breathe in deeply. They were scenting both he and Lucius, seeing if the blonde were truly human and trying to determine Harry's age. As if they could tell just by scent. A truly powerful vampire would have ways to fool them, appearing completely human to their insignificant senses. They were young, all of them.

As they reached the bar, the man behind it looked them over, sizing them up and determining how much he wanted to suck up to them, if at all. He was all but screaming his thoughts at Harry in disgust. A human man and his vampire son. They should be thrown out, the both of them.

Harry returned the sneer he was given which gave the man pause.

"We're meeting someone." he said darkly. "Is there an open private room?"

"Are you joking?" the man replied crudely. "It's the busiest hour of the night. Of course there's not. If you can kick someone out though, it's all yours."

"I know the rules, idiot." he spat visciously. The man purpled with anger and turned his nose up, deciding to ignore the rude customers and went to serve someone else.

Harry turned to Lucius with a frustrated sigh.

"I am definitely not used to not being shown the proper respect." he said with a grimace. "Stupid child's body. Wait here. I'm going to go take my anger out on some unsuspecting idiots and get us a back room."

Lucius chuckled at the evil grin Harry was sporting. "Have fun, my lord."

"Oh, I will." he returned with a fanged smile before turning and stalking towards a curtained off area, pushing an unsuspecting man out of his way with enough force to send him across the room and into a wall. Patrons parted before him after that display.

Lucius had been waiting only moments before the door opened again, admiting two very large, very ugly, very stupid looking men. One was tall, though not as tall as Lucius himself, and had a huge chunk missing from his nose. The other was shorter with a hideous scar over his left eye which was actually missing, the lid having been long sewn shut. Immediately scenting the human, they made their way to the bar and leaned against it on either side of Lucius.

"Well, look here," the taller one drawled in a pathetic mimicry of the superior tone Lucius himself used often. "A mooortal." he drew out the word as if the blonde were a rare find.

Lucius barely responded with a raised eyebrow, ignoring them.

"e's a pretty one, ain't 'e?" the other said with a lecherous look. "Come ta play with the fiends in 'ere den?"

Lucius finally spoke, reaching casually into a pocket and procurring a delicate silk hankerchief. "Pardon me," he said, holding it under his nose in a manner restricted to those of finer breeding. "Could you possibly take a step back? There seems to be a rather unpleasant odor hanging about you."

"Here now!" the taller one exclaimed. "I think he just insulted us!"

"So 'e did. We'll just have to teach 'im some respect!"

As the taller made to reach for him, Lucius swiftly drew his wand and swiped it sharply downward. The vampire stumbled back with a shocked look on his face, blood flowing down his front from the neat and very deep gash. As he dropped to his knees, the other lunged for Lucius.

With a small turn, Lucius spoke. "Crucio."

All the patrons turned to watch the unfolding scene, none moving to stop it, as Lucius tortured the screaming vampire with a malevolent smile. No one, not even a vampire, especially a young one, wanted to mess with a wizard who used an Unforgivable so freely and with such ease. It was also unlikely anyone that who frequented Knockturn Alley would report it.

Lucius' concentration was broken when six people ran screaming from the back area, through the tavern and out the door into the night, all sporting some sort of injury. Harry followed behind them with a smug smile mirroring Lucius' own.

"I see we have a room now, my lord?" he inquired casually as Harry made his way over.

Harry nodded, looking at the two vampires on the floor with a questioning gaze.

"They wanted to teach me respect," Lucius replied easily, stowing his wand away. "I wanted to see if the Cruciatus worked as well on a vampire as it does on humans. I figured one of us should get what we desired."

Harry quirked a smile at him. "And?" he asked as if he were conversing on a new official study on the effects of the curse.

"They seem to have a slightly higher tolerance than muggles, but I've seen some wizards fair better."

"Well, to be honest," Harry responded, leading Lucius past the still staring patrons toward the curtain, "they both seem to be hideously weak. A vampire a few centuries older should have a higher threshold for pain."

Lucius made a noncommital sound of agreement and they both disappeared behind the curtain.

"Ten Galleons that performance is hot information by morning." Harry chuckled as they settled themselves behind the table in a large room, Lucius on his right.

"Twenty says by noon I'll have suddenly become an ancient vampire and you'll be some sort of dark god whom I serve."

"I'll take that bet." Harry replied with a smile.

Twenty minutes later, the door opened again and four people entered. Harry rose to his feet and bowed respectfully to his Master, Lucius following suit.

"I apologize for our lateness," Malak said as he threw his cloak over the back of his chair and took a seat across from Harry. "An idiot with one eye tried to pick a fight with Jacob."

Harry exchanged glances with Lucius before looking back at the tall, broad shouldered redhead who had a sour look on his face. He snorted with suppressed laughter and shook his head in amusement. "It's just not his night."

"Oh?" Jacob asked with a lopsided grin as he sat in the chair to Harry's left and Gabriel sat next to him, legs crossed and leaning back, the picture of elegant poise.

"Yes." Harry replied with a smile. "He tried to do the same with Lucius and got Crucio'd for it."

"Wizards are often underestimated in places such as this." Anai said softly, taking the chair at Malak's side and pinning Lucius with her dark eyes.

Harry had the strangest flash of Luna Lovegood as he watched the woman stare at Lucius as if she were peering into his very soul. Lucius shifted a bit, but said nothing

Malak smirked at the reaction his eldest child provoked from people and said, "Well, I suppose we should act like civilized monsters and introduce ourselves. I am Malak of the First."

Harry gave a warm smile to the man and replied, "I am Harry James Potter and, in a way, also of the First. My companion is Lucius Malfoy, one of my closest confidants."

Anai smiled gently, pulling her eyes away from Lucius to stare at Harry instead. "I am Anai, daughter of Malak." she said, her voice little more than a whisper.

Gabriel smiled roguishly first at Harry, then at Lucius and said, "I'm Gabriel, son of Anai. Hi, there." Lucius shifted uncomfortably again as the vampire flicked long black hair over his shoulder and winked at him suggestively.

"Sweet Merlin, Gabe! Stop flirting with everything with a pulse!" Jacob cried in exasperation, rolling his eyes dramatically.

Gabriel's expression darkened and he shot daggers at the redhead. "I've told you before. If you call me 'Gabe' one more time, I'll--"

"What?" Jacob interrupted with a grin. "Kiss me?" He then proceeded to make kissy faces at his companion, complete with sound effects.

Gabriel crossed his arms petulantly and muttered, "Child" before turning his attention to the floor.

Jacob just grinned. "Don't mind him." he said, leaning around Harry to look at Lucius. "He likes the live ones...and the pretty ones...and the rich ones... Boy, you're just screwed!" He broke off laughing, ignoring the angry look from Gabriel, the indulgent smile from Malak and the quiet chuckles from Harry.

"Joy," Lucius deadpanned.

Jacob took a deep breath and paused to stare at him a moment before falling into even louder guffaws.

Malak shook his head and chuckled briefly. "He's Jacob." he explained. "Not one of our clan, but a member of our family."

"They took me in when my Master died just after turning me." Jacob said, finally getting himself under control and clapping a large, friendly hand on Harry's shoulder. "I was gonna go back to my family, even though I didn't know how they'd take me being a vampire and all, but these guys found me instead and took care of me for the past twenty years!"

Lucius glared at the boisterous redhead. "Please remove your hand from my lord." he said, or rather, ordered. He wasn't sure why, but something about the man just rubbed him the wrong way, not to mention the severe lack of respect he was showing Harry.

Jacob's good humor vanished and he crinkled his brow in contrite confusion, but he did remove his hand. "Hey, now," he started, but was interrupted by Malak standing up.

"Perhaps," the man started, making sure everyone was watching him, "Harry and I should speak in private. Anai, why don't you take Gabriel, Jacob, and Lord Malfoy to the room next door?"

Anai frowned a moment, staring into space, before saying softly, "It's full."

"Not for long!" Jacob said, standing up with a grin and cracking his knuckles threateningly.

Gabriel followed the other two with a weary sigh, well used to his companions idiosyncrasies and Lucius turned to Harry questioningly. "My lord?"

Harry nodded permission and smirked at Lucius' reluctance to go. "If he tries anything," he said in a stage whisper, "you can always test our theory on how the Cruciatus effects older vampires."

Lucius' hesitant expression turned to an almost maniacal smile as he vacated his chair and left the room in a flury of robes.

"Well," Malak said, retaking his seat, "shall we begin?"

-SCENE BREAK-

The pounding on the door that had filled the headmaster's office for the past fifteen minutes showed no signs of abating. In fact, it had only gotten louder.

"Albus! Albus, open this door!"

"Go away, Minerva." the old wizard muttered, his face crushed against the desk as he slouched over in an undignified heap.

"Albus, if you don't open the door this instant, I'm going to find myself a broom and fly in your window!" Minerva McGonagall's voice called, muffled by the heavy door. He'd considered putting a silencing charm on it, but Fawkes had bit him when he'd raised his hand to try it. The bird was currently glaring at him from his perch, as if willing him to get up and let the woman in.

"Don't bother," a man's voice growled, interrupting the frantic pounding. "It's charmed against intrusion."

"Well, what do you suggest then?" Minerva shot back and only silence answered. The pounding resumed. "Albus! Let us in!" A brief moment's pause. "There's chaos in the Great Hall!" Another pause. "There are Weasleys loose in the dungeons!" No response. "The house-elves have gone on strike!" Still no response. "They're getting drunk and turning each other into llamas!"

A quiet chuckle from her companion. "Llamas?"

"Be quite, Severus!" she snapped angrily. The headmaster was in for it when she finally got in there. "I need to talk to you, damn it! Let me in!" Oh boy, was he in for it. She was swearing now.

"Let him pout." Severus countered with a verbal shrug. "I've got a potion that'll melt the door off it's hinges, wards and all."

Fawkes let out an angry squawk and Albus' head shot up. "No!" he yelled frantically. That door was charmed and warded by Godric Gryffindor himself! If he let Severus melt it, he'd be bird food! His hand was immediately in the air and dispelling the locking charms.

The door burst open, thrown back by the angry hand of the deputy headmistress and the two professors entered. Minerva directed a fiery glare at him as she stormed in with a flourish that made Severus proud, knocking a chair over in blind fury as she strode up to the headmaster's desk. Severus merely looked amused, hanging back in the shadows to watch the proceedings.

An angry finger was thrust under his nose as she began to rant. "How dare you hide up here while there's work to be done? Pull yourself together, man! Potter is unprotected! Black has escaped! The Death Eaters are back! You know what that means, Albus! Stop acting like a child or I'll take over!"

The aged headmaster let out a heavy sigh. He wanted to wallow in his misery a bit longer. He was one hundred and thirty years old. Surely he deserved a good pout.

"Alright, Minerva." he finally said. "I understand. There's no denying it. Voldemort is back. We must gather the Order."

"I already have." she replied icily, crossing her arms and glaring at him when he looked shocked. "While you were up here pouting, as Severus so elegantly put it, I took the liberty of contacting all those we know we can trust and they're waiting in the Great Hall. I was unsure whether or not I should contact Remus Lupin and a few others. Also, I believe it would be prudent to offer a place to Arthur Weasley and his eldest, Bill. Arthur has contacts in the Ministry we can use and Bill is a curse breaker for Gringotts. If you are unable to go to Mr. Potter's home and establish new wards, surely he can."

Albus cleared his throat to hide his displeasure that she had acted without his approval. "Well done. I'm glad I have someone like you to depend on, Minerva. Severus, have you any news about this recent Death Eater attack or the one on Azkaban?"

Severus took a step forward. "I have not been summoned. However, I have noticed odd behavior from several Death Eaters. They've been nervous, constantly looking over their shoulders in a manner of speaking and acting as if they could be summoned at any moment. Most of the Inner Circle have disappeared for periods of time at the exact same time. Furthermore, I was meeting with one of them yesterday when he winced and suddenly began to sweat. His hand kept drifting to his left arm and he left soon after. If you need more proof that the Dark Lord has returned, Lucius suddenly refuses to allow me to visit the manor. He changed the password on the floo the day after the Azkaban attack."

"You think he's harboring the escapees?" Minerva asked, wide-eyed.

"I do." Severus replied with a curt nod. "I believe the fact that I have not been summoned indicates that my loyalties are suspect."

"Very well." Albus said, standing up sharply, all weariness vanishing in an instant. Wrapping all his dignity and power around himself like a cloak, he strode purposefully to the door. "We have much to do and it is imperitive that we recruit both Weasleys as soon as possible. Harry needs protecting and Arthur can leak the location of the escaped Death Eaters to his coworkers in the Ministry."

That said, the three left the office, heading for the Great Hall.

-SCENE BREAK-

"Petunia! How lovely to see you!"

Petunia put on her warmest smile, turning from her perusal of the market's vegetables as she greeted what had become one of her closest friends.

"Allison! How are you?" she asked as she was swept into a brief hug. "How's Dan?"

"Oh, he's fine." the woman returned cordially. "Still complaining about the lack of floo access. Honestly, you'd think by the way he goes on that it took hours to get here from that quaint little muggle village. So, have you heard the news?"

"What news?" Petunia inquired, years of gossiping not quite driven out of her yet.

"The Death Eater attack, of course!" Allison replied, looking scandalized. "It was all over the newspapers this morning! Even the Quibbler ran a story on it! Although, I think that Lovegood fellow was reporting more on the possibility that You Know Who has gathered Flame-Clawed Grass Margents into his forces than the actual facts. But still, I thought you should know since it seems You Know Who is back and your nephew is probably number one on his hit list."

"Oh my. Well, thank you for telling me. I'll have to check on Harry."

-SCENE BREAK-

It was creeping up on noon when Remus and Sirius finally rolled out of bed. After a quick shower, they headed downstairs in the hopes they'd see Harry at lunch. Remus had warned Sirius that it was doubtful. Harry, despite his tolerance for the sun, didn't like to be active when it was at it's peak and rarely ate lunch.

Therefore, it came as a bit of a shock when they entered the dining room to find Harry seated at the table and nibbling on fruit as his eyes scanned the paper he held in one hand.

Sirius was barely able to comprehend the fact that this boy was his godson. After all, the last time he'd seen him, he was just a little baby.

His hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, a few strands escaping here and there which he absently blew out of his face as he read. His robes were light tan and simple save the black embelishments around the collar, sleeves and hem. Green eyes turned to him almost lazily and a kind smile took over his young face.

"Harry?" Sirius breathed in wonder, taking a step forward.

"Hi, Padfoot." His voice was like music to the man's ears, seeming to express so many emotions all at once and yet none at all. Sirius found an answering smile spread over his own face.

As Harry lay down his paper and stood up, Sirius rushed the boy, sweeping him up into his arms and spinning him around in wide circles, laughing joyfully.

"'Hi, Padfoot?' Is that all you've got to say to me?" he asked, setting him back on his feet.

Harry chuckled. "It's good to see you, Sirius."

"Yeah. Look at you!" he exclaimed, kneeling down and looking the boy over. "Where's that little boy who pissed on me the first time I tried to change his diaper? You look like a little prince! Lily'd have a fit if she knew you were set up like this! She was all for the simple life, you know? It was James who insisted on providing her with everything she could ever want. Treated her like his queen, he did."

A shadow stole over the animagus' face and his smile faded a bit. Harry placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I wish I'd known them." he said softly.

"Yeah." he responded just as softly, standing as Remus joined him at his side. "They'd be proud of you, Prongslet."

Harry quirked an eyebrow at the nickname, but said nothing of it. "I wouldn't be so sure of that. I've done a lot of things that would give them good reason to hate me. You too."

"What?" Sirius shrugged. "You mean that you're a bloodsucker, have memories of the future, are playing the Dark Lord and throw around the Cruciatus Curse like a party favor? Nah. Moony told me all about that last night. Or this morning. Kinda lost track." He had the grace to look sheepish as Remus smacked him in the arm pointedly. "What? He was married!" he defended himself to the werewolf. "Think of it this way. At least we won't have to give him 'the talk'. Well, unless he decides to swing the other way. But then, I assume he might have some experience with that as well. Six thousand years is a long time, after all." He finished up with a suggestive eyebrow waggle.

"Oh, for God's sake! Shut up, Padfoot!" Remus exclaimed, a small blush covering his cheeks.

"There's my Moony!" Sirius cooed, hugging the other man around the shoulders dramatically. "Thought you'd lost that blush for a while there!"

Remus gave a put upon sigh and chuckled. "Only you, Padfoot."

"Oh, I don't know." Harry smiled, retaking his seat as the other two took their's and house-elves popped in with more food. "I'm pretty sure I could make you blush, if I tried."

"Harry!" Remus looked scandalized.

Harry just shrugged, picking up his paper and pretending to read it. "Like Sirius said, six thousand years is a long time. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and I were known to share everything. And I mean, everything. Then there was the thirty or so years I spent as Lord Henrik in which I had a harem. It was expected, you know."

Sirius choked on his juice. "A harem?" He began laughing uproarously and Remus couldn't help but chuckle as well. "You really are James son, aren't you?"

Harry opened his mouth to reply, but a popping sound interrupted him. He looked expectantly at the house-elf. It's ears fluttered and it wrang it's hands nervously. 'Ah, this would be one of the new, younger ones.'

"Master Harry Potter sir's aunt and cousin are here to see him." he spoke in a tiny voice, bowing as he did so.

Harry smiled at the little creature and replied, "Bring them to the dining room please." As it disappeared, Harry turned back to Sirius. "Aunt Petunia thinks I'm only a very intelligent vampiric child. I don't think she would react well if she found Sirius Black eating lunch in my house. Padfoot might be a better option here."

"Gotcha!" Sirius replied, jumping from his chair and changing into the big black dog in an instant. His plate disappeared as well, leaving no evidence to another person being present.

"I look forward to meeting Lily's sister." Remus said, a displeased look upon his face. "If what I've heard is true..."

"To be fair," Harry replied, "Petunia was insanely jealous of Mum when they were younger. Mum got magical powers and got to go off to a prestigious school while she was left at home in her utterly normal life. Mum married her Prince Charming while Petunia got stuck with Vernon Dursley. Mum was happy, loved and seemed to have the perfect life. She was stuck in muggle surburbia with an abusive husband, a spolied brat of a son and nosy neighbors. When Mum was working in the Department of Mysteries, a member of the Order of the Phoenix and fighting a Dark Lord, Petunia was hosting dinners for Vernon's clients and attending garden parties."

"Not to mention," a new voice cut in from the doorway, "that Lily was supposed to be the equivelent of the Virgin Mary in your world." Petunia stood there in one of her best dresses, Dudley at her side and a thin smile on her lips. As she came closer, she continued, "I remember the night she came to me, just after Dumbledore told she and James of the prophecy. Her child was to be the savior of the wizarding world. How remarkable. Yet another thing that made her special, not only in comparrison to the muggles of my world, but also amongst those of her own kind as well. She was truly incredible and it made my life seem all the more dull. Hello, Harry."

"Good afternoon, Aunt Petunia." Harry smiled at the woman. "Won't you join us for lunch?"

"Yes. Thank you." she replied, moving to take the seat across from Remus. Dudley sat at her side looking acutely nervous. He jumped as a house-elf appeared with two more plates.

"This is my tutor, Remus Lupin." Harry said, gesturing to the man. "Professor Lupin, this is my Aunt Petunia and my cousin, Dudley."

"It's nice to meet you, professor." Petunia replied politely and he nodded in return. "If I recall correctly, my sister had a friend named Remus Lupin. Would you be him?"

"I would, madam."

Dudley let out a shriek when Padfoot suddenly leaped up with a bark, both paws falling heavily onto the table and his tongue lolling out.

"Down, Padfoot." Remus chuckled, patting the black dog on the head.

"That would be Padfoot." Harry explained. "He belongs to Professor Lupin."

Padfoot let out another bark as if to say, "You know it!" and removed his paws from the table, moving to seat himself beside Remus on the floor.

"He's... Well, I wouldn't say he's well trained, but he's very intelligent." Remus explained, hoping to quell the terrified expression on Dudley's face. "He's very friendly and just forgets his size sometimes."

"Big dog." Dudley muttered, eyes still wide as he began nervously picking at the food on his plate.

It was then Harry noticed that while Dudley's attitude may have changed for the better, his size hadn't. If anything, the boy seemed even bigger than the last time he'd seen him.

"Aunt Petunia, I don't mean to be rude," he said, "but have you considered a diet for Dudley? It's just not healthy for a boy his age to be that size."

Petunia nodded. "He's already on one. Has been since Vernon died and he's sticking with it. I make sure of that. Perhaps it's just bad genes. Vernon was over sized as well."

"I don't think so." Harry replied, furrowing his brow. "I think you should see a nutritionist, maybe a doctor too. There could be something physically wrong. I could get you an appointment with Healer Alston if you'd like."

"You mean I might have a disease?" Dudley cried in fear.

"It's possible." Harry replied.

Petunia looked thoughtful a moment before saying, "Yes. I think that would be for the best. Thank you, Harry." When Harry nodded, Petunia continued, "Now, to the point of our visit. I've heard that the madman who killed your parents is back and you may be in danger. I think it would be best if you moved into the village with me so that I can protect you properly."

Harry chuckled. "No, thank you, Aunt Petunia. The blood protection from my mother is still quite active and will remain so for as long as you and I have regular contact. My home is protected by powerful wards and spells with rather nasty consequences. Also, I intend to aquire a few additional protective measures."

"Not that I don't trust your judgement, Harry, but you must understand that I have only your best interest at heart. Are you certain these measures are enough?"

"I appreciate your concern, Aunt Petunia, but I assure you," he said with a rather evil smile, "by the time I'm done, anyone would have to be a fool to attack me here."

Petunia nodded hesitantly. He certainly seemed capable of taking care of himself, despite his young age. Still, she couldn't help but worry for the boy. He was just a child. A very special child that often seemed many times his age, but a child nonetheless.

"Ah." Harry said as if just remembering and interrupting her thoughts. "I'm having a birthday party the 31st. Would you and Dudley like to come? Most of the guests will be from old pureblood families, but they wouldn't dare to insult you in my home."

"A party?" Dudley exclaimed, a huge grin on his face. "Will there be cake?"

Harry laughed. "Yes, there will be cake. You may even have some, if Aunt Petunia agrees to let you off your diet for the day."

Dudley let out a happy whoop and turned to his mother with pleading eyes. "Please, Mummy! Can we?"

"I don't see why not." she replied easily.

"Good. It's settled then."