Remus frowned at the mention of the Dursleys. "Well, put on some muggle clothes and we'll get going." He would never say it out loud, but Harry could tell that he felt guilty about the Dursleys treatment of him. He wanted Harry to experience what a real family was, and was trying to subtly act like a parent - or at least like a guardian. It was nice, if a little annoying; Harry was not used to parental figures butting in and, even though he looked like a child, he was not one - at least mentally.
Harry smiled at the meaning though; Remus really was trying. Opening his trunk, he found a pair of grey trousers and a dark green jumper. It was summer, but the English summer evenings were cool.
Walking through the door into muggle London, Remus lead Harry through the streets, pointing out places he had either visited or worked and adding little anecdotes. After around 20 minutes they came to a small Chinese restaurant decorated with traditional lanterns and streamers. Entering, they were greeted and seated quickly.
"So, what should I order?" Harry asked, looking at the menu, unsure about what to get as he had never even heard of half of the stuff.
Remus smiled as he watched Harry frown at the menu, probably annoyed that he was unsure. He had noticed how Harry revelled in his independence and ability to survive.
"Why don't I just order a variety and we can pick and choose?" Remus offered.
"That sounds good, thank you," Harry said.
After they had ordered, Remus and Harry sat chatting about inconsequential things, however eventually this stopped.
"Are you worried?" Remus asked.
"Worried?" Harry queried.
"About the trial? About what you will do if Sirius gets custody of you eventually?" Remus asked.
"I don't think the trial will be a problem, not anymore. Dumbledore and the ministry can't do much to derail it now. He is innocent and that will come out," Harry said. "And as for the custody, I'm not worried - just cautious. I've never had a real family or guardian; I don't think I would cope well with suddenly having my independence taken away, so I hope Sirius doesn't try that. Other than that, no, I'm not worried."
"And if Sirius cannot get custody?" Remus asked.
Harry felt his eyes darken; that would most likely only happen if Dumbledore intervened. "Then I doubt I'll go back to my family - I won't allow myself go back to them. How they treated me was wrong and I severely doubt that the Wizarding world would allow it once it becomes known and I will let it be known if it keeps me from them. At worst, it will be a mad dash about who could take in the precious Boy-Who-Lived," Harry said, using the title he hated to show Remus what he thought about the situation.
Once they had eaten, the two returned to the Leaky Cauldron and turned in for the night. They had to be up early for the trial and Harry wanted to go to Gringotts before that to talk to Ragnok.
The robes they had for the trial where formal, but not fancy; Harry work dark green, almost black, robes over a white shirt and black trousers and Remus had a deep mahogany robe over a cream shirt and black trousers.
Entering Gringotts early, Harry, with Remus trailing behind him, made their way to Ragnok's office. Entering, they saw the chief goblin was sitting, surrounded by papers. Their visit was just a preliminary to make sure nothing had gone wrong; Harry doubted anything would have as the goblin would have summoned him, but still it was better to check.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Ragnok greeted.
"Chief Ragnok," Remus said, bowing slightly.
"You're ready for today?" Ragnok asked, looking at Harry.
"Yes. I doubt that the opposition will be able to do anything with the evidence we supplied," Harry said.
"And if they manage the impossible?" Ragnok asked, more out of interest than real concern.
"I have a few ideas," Harry said, thinking about the breakouts Voldemort caused in his last life. He didn't want to have to use such barbaric tactics, but he would if it meant Sirius was freed. Then again, Sirius could just break himself out again.
Ragnok looked at Harry. "Do these ideas have anything to do with your friend Tom?" he asked. Harry had yet to tell Remus anything about his bond mate. He didn't want to risk losing the wolf before he had Sirius free and stable.
"Something like that," Harry agreed with a smirk.
Remus interrupted then, "Harry, we should get going if we want to get there early."
Ragnok looked at the wolf and nodded. "Mr. Lupin is correct. Do come and visit me when it is over though, Harry," he said.
"Of course, Ragnok."
....
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