THE NATIVE HUE OF RESOLUTION

A/N: This is my first attempt at writing a story. When I read Thing1's brilliant "Veritas," the powerful moment where Draco asked Harry what he did the night they finished their education at Hogwarts stuck in my head. The git would not leave me alone until I wrote this story. So, thanks Draco.

Lots of appreciation to Thing1, for writing such wonderful characters and allowing me to borrow them. I cannot express enough gratitude to Durayan, Luna, Thing1, and Vargmoy (thanks for sticking it out through every draft!) for their wonderful beta-reading. This story has been drastically improved thanks to their thoughtful comments and suggestions. My appreciation to all of my reviewers for your kind words of encouragement.

And lastly, thanks to J.K. Rowling, for writing such a wonderful characters for us to enjoy in her amazing world of witchcraft and wizardry.

CHAPTER THREE – THE ARRIVAL AT LAST

*POP!*

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, four large trunks, two frightened owls, and a rather sour looking ginger cat instantly appeared next to the flowerbed in the Lupins’ front yard. The young wizard with unruly black hair and glasses framing his bright green eyes was just as swiftly seized into a giant bear-sized hug.

"I told him to wait inside," started Remus, as he shook his head and reached for the book Harry was handing him. "Thank you Harry. But, as usual, Sirius here refused to follow the rules! Although not many people come near here, I told him you still wouldn’t like to run the risk of being seen hugged like a three-year old! Best get inside quickly, then!"

Harry looked quite grey as well as a bit shaky, but nodded briskly at Remus as he reached to greet his godfather. Remus, who knew how proud Harry was and how much he hated pity from anyone, decided it would be best not to help him. He had seen this attitude of Harry’s first hand at Hogwarts a few years ago with the Dementors. Does he still think of Cedric Diggory every time he uses a Portkey?

Sirius, however, had not had the benefit of Remus’ prior experiences with Harry and missed this point as he instantly grabbed Harry under the arm to help him in the house.

"Sirius, I’m fine! I can do it myself!" grunted Harry. Looking slightly hurt, Sirius let go of him rather reluctantly.

Once everyone had gone inside, the front room became alive with the animated chatter of everyone trying to greet each other at the same time as well as the commotion Malcolm was making jumping up and down at Ron’s side.

Finally, Ron scooped Malcolm up into his arms. "And how have you been, young man?" he asked Malcolm. "I hope you have been keeping Sirius and your father in line!" Ron smiled teasingly at Remus and Sirius. "Don’t worry… fresh troops are here and ready to help!"

Katie meanwhile hugged Hermione tightly. "Well, how did the speech go? Were you nervous? I want to hear all about it."

Hermione blushed slightly as she let Crookshanks out of his basket. The angry cat quickly scurried out of the room in a fluffy ginger streak.

"Just a little. I tried to pretend we were back in Gryffindor Tower and that I was making some standard announcement." She thought for a moment. "Of course, it also helped to go before Draco. I don’t know what I would have done if his speech had been first and he had done a great job. It would have been so much pressure. I’m just glad the Head Girl’s speech is always given before the Head Boy’s speech at Hogwarts. Although, you should have heard Draco’s speech! It was really rather good."

Ron and Harry both looked over at Hermione with matching derisive scowls.

"Well, it was!" she said defensively as she looked squarely at Ron.

"I know," Ron said grudgingly. "It’s just that I still can’t get used to the fact that that git was Head Boy." He glanced carefully over at Remus, who, although dismayed by Ron’s comment, just smiled a knowing smile.

"Now, Ron, let’s not start all that about Draco, again," said Remus sternly. There was no mistaking Remus’ meaning. "Especially not so soon after you have all arrived."

Remus tried to stop himself from thinking of what Draco’s evening was going to be like by looking around at the others. In so doing, he spotted Ginny hanging back, shyly.

"I believe some introductions are in order." Remus’ demeanor changed instantly to that of an eloquent diplomat. Gently pulling Ginny forward, Remus said, "Liz, Katie, I would like to present Miss Ginny Weasley. Ginny it gives me great pleasure in introducing my wife, Katie..." Katie and Ginny shook hands pleasantly.

"… and Liz Harker." Liz and Ginny also shook each other’s hand warmly.

"Of course, you already know Sirius over there."

Remus’ face lit up. "And this…" he said as he picked up the toddler, "… is my son, Malcolm. Ginny, we are all very pleased that you were able to join us in celebrating today’s happy events."

Ginny’s blushed slightly, as if she were on a stage and everyone were looking at her. Harry for one was watching her intently. "Thank you, Professor. Thank you, as well, Mrs Lupin, for your kind hospitality. What a lovely home you have – it’s so nice and warm."

"Now, Ginny," began Katie, "If you are going to be staying in our home, then you must drop the ‘Professor’ and ‘Mrs Lupin’ bit right now!" She smiled at the young girl. "I am Katie," she continued. "This is Remus, and this is Liz. You can call Sirius whatever you like. We want you to feel as welcome here as you do in your own home."

"Indeed," said Remus hospitably.

"Thank you… Katie…Remus," said Ginny, as she blushed slightly pink again.

"Harry," began Remus, "Why don’t you show everybody where to put their things? Sirius will go along with you to help with the trunks."

"I’ll go get the owls all set up by our owl, Puck."

"I’ll help the girls get settled," volunteered Liz.

The house suddenly was swarming with activity. Sirius was busy levitating the large trunks in the air behind their owners with his wand up the stairs to the bedrooms. He smiled broadly as he talked with Harry on their way up to Harry’s room. A real smile on your face, at last, Padfoot! James always had that effect on you as well.

Remus used his wand to levitate Hedwig’s and Pig’s cages over to where Puck’s perch stood and opened them. Hedwig settled on the perch next to Puck, giving a look of disdain at having to share a perch. Pig, being his usual silly self, was busy excitedly twittering around and bopping against Remus’ cloak. Remus looked down at Pig and chuckled to himself as he placed the tiny owl on the perch and gently stroked Puck’s smooth grey feathers to offer a little comfort and a slight apology for the noisy intrusion. Puck half-closed his eyes and gave a soft hoot to let Remus know he was forgiven for the moment.

Remus’ mouth began to water as the aroma of the dinner Katie was preparing filled the room. He crossed into the kitchen to get a closer whiff.

"Mmmm! Dinner smells fantastic! Thank goodness for tea; I’m starving and dinner isn’t going to be ready for another couple of hours. Any chance of starting without the others?" he exclaimed to Katie as he looked in the oven.

Katie laughed at him as she playfully swatted him out of her way.

Remus was not disappointed. Everyone soon came traipsing down the stairs and into the front room. Katie and Liz brought out trays of Earl Grey tea, coffee, and scones.

"Tea’s ready," called out Liz.

"So is the coffee," added Katie.

Remus devoured his share quickly. He was quite hungry since he had only had toast for breakfast and a Scotch egg for lunch. His nerves had been so frayed in anticipation of getting everything ready in time for Harry’s arrival and dealing with Sirius that he had not been very hungry until now. Smiling with satisfaction, he saw that Sirius had likewise inhaled his food.

"Well, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, how long will you be able to stay with us?" inquired Liz.

"Only a few days, I’m afraid," replied Hermione, who was seated next to Ron on the small, overstuffed sofa, holding Crookshanks in her lap. "I am rather anxious to see my parents. They were happy to let me come here to celebrate our completion at Hogwarts and Remus’ birthday, but they plan on having a small family celebration for me next weekend."

"Likewise for Ginny and me," said Ron, his arm draped comfortably around Hermione’s shoulder. "Mum and Dad were going to cut short their visit with Bill and his new wife, Athena, in Egypt, but Ginny and I told them ‘No way!’ It’s hard enough for Dad to get time off right now to go on holiday and he certainly could use every moment of it he can get! I’m sure you know how hard he’s been working in the fight against You-Know-Who. Plus helping Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix get information on the Death Eaters. And trying to knock some sense into that prat, Cornelius Fudge!" Ron edged forward a little, as if he were readying for battle himself. Hermione placed her hand on his leg in an effort to calm him down. "Anyway, so Ginny and I told them we wanted to come here to celebrate and not to worry about us, that we’d be fine and would see them in a few days."

"Well, we’re the lucky ones then, Ginny. We get the pleasure of your company as well as Ron’s," said Katie.

"Thank you, Katie," said Ginny, who was seated next to the small green marble table. "Mum and Dad deserve to have some fun. They can see us any time. Ron’s going to join Dad in the fight against You-Know-Who and I’ll be home until the start of next term. I can’t believe it will be my last year at Hogwarts!"

"I know how you feel," said Harry, sadly, from his chair next to Ginny’s. "I can’t believe we’re finished at Hogwarts. It seems like only yesterday that I was at the Dursleys and didn’t even know I was a wizard. And yet…" his eyes took on a far away look. Ginny looked reassuringly at him. Harry looked at her with dull green eyes for a moment and then seemed to snap out of his melancholy. "Anyway, it doesn’t seem like we’re out of school and I’m finally going to train to face Voldemort."

"Harry! Do you have to say his name!" moaned Ron.

"Harry’s right, Ron," said Remus. "You cannot hope to be successful in fighting Voldemort if you cannot even successfully fight your fear of saying his name."

"I’ve been telling him that for years," said Harry in exasperation.

"Some old wizarding family ways are slow to die," said Liz, trying to help Ron out. He looked grateful for the assistance.

"Well," said Ron slowly, "It won’t be easy, but I’ll try."

"Me, too," said Ginny determinedly. Harry nodded his head firmly in approval at her, his green eyes shining brightly once more.

"Harry," said Sirius hesitantly. "I really hate to bring this up. You have no idea how much I hate bring it up, but, … do you need to get anything from the Dursleys?" Sirius winced at the sound of his own question. Crookshanks immediately came over and curled up in his lap, purring. Sirius smiled at the cat for a moment and began to stroke him absent-mindedly.

Harry’s face turned to stone. "No. Nothing."

"Are you quite sure, Harry? It isn’t very likely you will be going back there again," Remus said. It was quiet except for Malcolm swishing his pretend wand in the air. Harry slowly traced the floral pattern embroidered on the arm of his chair with a finger.

"Quite certain," he said coldly. "When I left the Dursleys last summer, they made it quite clear that I should take all of my belongings that I wanted with me then because after I left for school, I was never to set foot in their house again. As if I’d want to!"

Sirius sneered derisively. "Good! Their loss is our gain!" He looked over at Remus. "It seems to me that Petunia made a similar sort of statement to Lily once." Turning again to Harry, he continued, "Your mother was glad not to have to look at her sour face or put up with her attitude anymore. You, too, are now free of that family, Harry."

"Harry, I haven’t talked with Mum and Dad about it yet," began Ron, "but I know you are always welcome to live at the Burrow. You know how much they like you. I mean, you’re practically a member of the family already. You even get a new Weasley sweater each year!"

"Thanks, Ron. I’m sure you’re right about that. But for right now, I’m staying here." Sirius’ face lit up from ear to ear at this. "Dumbledore told me to stay here, not to mention that Remus, Sirius, and Liz have already made all of the arrangements and set up all of the wards. This is the first time I have had the chance to actually live with my godfather. Hopefully, we will be able to defeat Voldemort soon and perhaps then I will be able to make my own decisions of where to live and what to do. Right now, though, my place is here."

Katie looked straight into Harry’s eyes. "Harry, we did not set up a few wards and accept some ‘boarder’ at Dumbledore’s request. We made our home ready for one of the family to come back to where he belongs. You will always have a place here. Always."

Remus got up and stood behind Katie’s chair, resting both hands on her shoulders. "Harry, Sirius and I both promised your father and mother when you were a baby that we would always be there to help them take care of you and we meant it. Sirius may be your godfather, but I promised as well. It is my honour and my delight to have you with me; you know this. This is your home for as long as you want to stay."

Harry blinked several times rather quickly and cleared his throat. "Thanks, all of you."

The room grew quiet as Katie started clearing the dishes from the room.

"We’ll do that, Katie," said Hermione, looking over at Ginny. "The men can do it next time," she said pointedly at Ron.

"That’s fine, Hermione," commented Remus, a little wry smile creeping onto his face. "As long as Sirius doesn’t touch the good china. My mother made him promise long ago not to touch it other than to eat off of it. You see, Sirius was well known even then for loud noises and explosions."

"Explosions?" questioned Harry.

Sirius straightened up immediately, trouble written all over him. "Sure! You know how dynamic my stunning personality is!" he joked. "Explosions were always part of my repertoire, right, Moony?"

"As long as they are not directed at us," replied Remus. "Sparks can also be quite enjoyable. Don’t you agree, Sirius?" He raised an eyebrow at Sirius, a twinkle in his lively grey eyes. "Especially during Professor Heldin’s class."

Sirius roared with laughter. "One of the highlights of our fifth year! We were supposed to be making a Felicitous potion in Professor Heldin’s class. Then as now, the Slytherins and Gryffindors had Potions together. Snape and his cronies were supposed to make the potion we were to try and vice versa. Naturally, the idea of seeing Snape happy was too disgusting to allow. Besides, it went against our very nature! Remus thought it might be interesting if we came up with an alternate potion for us to ‘accidentally’ concoct. Your father thought of the actual potion and I brewed it. Snape and his gang drank it and we had to drink the potion they brewed.

"You should have seen it! Scarlet and gold sparks flared out of their mouths whenever any of them opened their mouths. They were furious! It was beautiful to see! The entire class was laughing. The special effects lasted the whole day. They ended up going to the hospital ward to wait it out."

"Madame Pomfrey was not that pleased with our efforts," added Remus. "It was, unfortunately, bad timing, as I had to go see her that evening for the full moon. She did not look amused at all."

Everybody was now laughing hysterically.

"I’m surprised they didn’t do anything to the potion they brewed that you all had to drink!" exclaimed Hermione.

Sirius stopped laughing. "What do you mean they didn’t? Of course they did! Their potion made us speak in high squeaky falsetto voices for the rest of the day!"

"Really?" giggled Ginny.

"What did Professor Heldin do about all of this?" asked Liz, thinking about the more practical ramifications as usual.

"Nothing, Liz," answered Remus. "You know Heldin. He figured we had each punished each other sufficiently without him becoming involved. Besides, he was too busy trying to keep a straight face."

The room was ringing with the sound of laughter again.

When they had all recollected themselves, Hermione and Ginny took the dishes from Katie and gathered the rest. Katie soon followed them into the kitchen to check on the dinner she was preparing.

Ron walked over to the French doors where Malcolm was playing and picked him up. He waved his pretend wand enthusiastically at Ron. "WHAM!" Ron grimaced as the wand hit him on the top of his head.

"Ow. Nice wand work there, Malcolm," said Ron, chuckling as he rubbed the area Malcolm had assaulted.

"No, no, my little marauder. That is not good form at all," instructed Remus. He took the big, fat stick of wood out of Malcolm’s wee little hand. "This is how you do it. Swish and flick. You try it."

Malcolm reached for the wand excitedly and grasped it tightly in his little fist. He waved it back and forth in the air in a most frightening manner.

"Oh, great. Now he looks like Seamus with a wand," deadpanned Ron.

Sirius laughed at the sight and shook his head. "Good thing you didn’t teach Charms, Moony. Looks like he lacks your finesse with a wand. Maybe he’ll take after his mother and me and fancy Potions!"

"Potions?" Ron looked incredulous. "You liked Potions?"

"Well, remember, Ron. We had potions with Professor Heldin, not Professor Snape," said Remus.

"Yeah, Gryffindors were treated fairly by Heldin," added Sirius.

"Yes, but, what’s so great about Potions?"

Remus saw Sirius’ eyes flash and new he was thinking of old chemistry sets, Dungbombs, and explosions galore. How Sirius’ mother had hated all of the explosions!

"Ron, you have no idea!" exclaimed Sirius gleefully. "Potions played a vital role in some of our more memorable missions against the Slytherins, like the one we just told you about! Right, Moony?"

"Indeed, Ron." Remus had a rather playful glint in his eyes. "Remember the Obliquus potion that somehow ended up in Snape’s pumpkin juice? He couldn’t walk in a straight line the entire day!"

"WHAT?" gasped Harry.

"It was priceless! The best part was when Snape had to walk down all of those steps and stairs from Tetley’s Divination class to the Slytherin dungeon!" Sirius was in his element now and was clearly enjoying himself. "You should have seen him zigzagging all over the stairs! He even lost his balance and crashed into a suit of armour!"

Harry and Ron stared at each other in amusement, dying to hear more.

"It was James’ idea," added Remus. "We used the invisibility cloak, of course. It was agreed that I would actually administer the potion, since I was so slight. Sirius here brewed the potion with some help from your father." Remus looked a little uncomfortable. "Peter got most of the unusual ingredients for us. He was always good at using stealth."

The smile on Harry’s face vanished instantly. Sirius scowled meaningfully at Remus.

"I’m sorry, Harry," said Remus. "But, if you want to hear the old stories and get to know who your parents were, you are going to have to hear about Peter as well. You see, back then he was our friend. We trusted him as you trust Ron and Hermione. I really think he was a true friend when we started out at Hogwarts. Somewhere along the line, however, he started pulling away from us a little. He was still one of us. He continued to go out with us on our various excursions and pranks, and he seemed to genuinely still care about us. But, looking back, somehow… I think he started to change even then," Remus was looking reflective and seeming to not see anything at all of the front room. His vision was not on Harry, but somewhere in the past, trying to make sense of what had happened.

Sirius’ deep blue eyes burned and were quite dark as they looked sharply at Remus questioningly.

Please, Padfoot. You need this as much as Harry does. Remus returned Sirius’ look, his intense grey eyes burning steadily and just as brightly as Sirius’. They stared at each other across the room for quite some time, having their own conversation in a manner learnt from years of knowing someone as thoroughly as you know yourself. They had been having these battles of will ever since their days at Hogwarts. Remus usually won.

At long last, Sirius nodded slightly to Remus and turned to Harry. Sirius came back over to him and carefully knelt down before him. He seemed to be searching for the right words to say. Looking Harry straight in the eyes, Sirius said in a strong voice full of emotion, "Remus is right, Harry. Peter is part of our past – Remus’, your parents’, … and mine."

He continued grudgingly, "If you want to understand all of us and hear what happened, you must hear the truth… which includes Peter… and includes Peter as being one of us." Although he continued to look Harry straight in the eyes, his hands were trembling a little as they clutched the armrests of Harry’s chair.

Come on, Harry, be brave. I know you can face it. If you cannot face this, then you cannot face…

Harry swallowed hard. "Alright."

Sirius’ relaxed instantly and looked over his shoulder at Remus, who nodded his head slightly. Yes, Padfoot, the stage is now set for tonight.