A Bond of Family

This is the direct sequel to The Start of A New Life, and part of my A Bond of Family series.

Because I mostly write out of order and jump all over the time-line, I've made a list of where each story belongs in this series. The list can be found on my profile and is updated with each new addition to the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters. However, since Rowling discarded my favourite characters I picked them up and took them into my care to give them the love and attention they deserve...and occasionally give them reason to need that love and attention no matter how much they deserve it without needing a reason.

Warnings: Strong bromance.

This story deals with a very strong relationship between Sirius and Remus, and although it is not sexual they do love each other and will display behaviour one might see as such.
If you can't handle grown men hugging, holding hands, displaying possessive behaviour and having strong none sexual emotions for each other then you should hit the previous button now.

Also people occasionally get hurt so there will be some blood and described injuries, you are warned.
Involves mentions of Sirius' past, Azkaban and past torture.

Contains some character bashing: Mostly Dumbledore, Hermione, some Ron, Molly Weasley, and Snape.

Special thanks to Kitty for beta-ing this story for me and giving me endless support and inspiration for this series. Thank you for your endless patience with my grammar and for all the lessons you've taught me and are still trying to stamp into my brain.

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"Gran?!" Neville ran inside with a letter in his hands and a small brown owl bobbling on his shoulder.

"In the front room," the answer came almost immediately.

"Wipe your feet," his grandmother ordered as he tried to enter.

"Sorry. Gran, I just got a letter from Harry. He's saying his godfather wishes to make an offer to me," Neville walked over to her and handed it over.

"Yes, I just received one myself. He is proposing to meet and discuss a proposal to give you extra tutoring in Potions," she glanced at the letter. "But I have to admit I do not understand why he would do that."

"Harry says that his godfather and Professor Lupin will take over Defence from Umbridge after the break. And that Professor McGonagall asked if he would be willing to give me extra tutoring."

He looked down at the letter. "He also writes that the requested meeting is about that, but that he asked Harry to write a separate letter to me so that I had time to think about the offer before it would be sprung on me."

"That is nice of him. What do you think of his offer?" his grandmother looked up to him.

"I-I hate Potions. I had been looking forward to the class since I received my letter but Professor Snape terrifies me. I can't concentrate or do anything right in his classes so I am happy that I can drop it after this year," he paused, biting his lip.

"But this offer...if he is anything like he portrayed at Hogwarts then I think he would be very different and I would like to learn how to properly brew Potions without Hermione Granger always having to whisper in my ears."

"The fact that the man has been viewed as a dangerous murderer for the last fourteen years doesn't scare you?" his grandmother asked surprised.

Leaning against the table Neville thought for a long moment about that.

"To be honest? No. I have always heard the stories of how he murdered all those innocents and betrayed his friends. And I admit that I was terrified when he broke into Hogwarts two years ago, despite never having seen him with my own eyes. But when I finally did last week...I couldn't believe for a second that any of those stories were true."

He stared out of the window.

"Even before he showed us the memory of You-Know-Who's resurrection or being declared innocent...even before it had been revealed that he was partly responsible for taking You-Know-Who out, I knew it wasn't true."

He turned to his grandmother.

"The way he acted and spoke, it all screamed to me of how much he cared about Harry. Why would a mass murderer who's in service of You-Know-Who care so incredibly much about The-Boy-Who-Lived?"

Shifting he absent-mindedly petted the small owl on his shoulder, aware that his grandmother wasn't interrupting him for once so he continued his thoughts.

"I mean, what kind of person would barge into a school full of magical people and threaten a staff member, no matter how hated; or the Headmaster himself for how they've mistreated his godson? Who but one who loves their child more than anything and wants them to be safe regardless of their own safety? How can I possibly believe him to be evil when all his actions speak of love?"

His grandmother stared at him with an unreadable expression before a small smile broke out.

"Very well, then I suggest we reply to him to inform him we would like to accept his offer and will meet up to discuss the details," she said. "I have to admit I am curious to see the man that has left such an impression on you."

Confused Neville blinked.

"You unfortunately fear people all too easily, but I have never seen you look up to someone, least of all someone you don't even know. Yes, I think I would like to see you bloom under his care."

Uncomfortable Neville blushed, but smiled slightly as he recognised the untold love that his grandmother rarely expressed in her words.

"Do you want to send a reply to him or should I write one myself while answering Harry's?" he asked.

"As your guardian it is my obligation to answer it personally. Though it speaks for his character that he has asked young Potter to send you an advanced warning. Why do you not write your own note to him, to inform him of your decision if you are certain?"

"I am. I think I could learn a lot from him," nodding determined Neville straightened from the desk. "I'll write Harry and give this owl another reply for...I should call him Professor, shouldn't I?" he realised with an excited but nervous smile.

"You should. When you are done return here so that this owl can carry my answer as well for now."

"We have to send any reply back with Boo."

"Boo?"

"It's the owl's name. We have to send any reply back with him because the protective anti owl wards are still in place around his godfather so only a specific few can find him."

"Sirius Black always has been an exceptionally bright wizard. It will be a delight to see him and Professor Lupin take charge at Hogwarts."

Neville frowned. "Do you think the Ministry will give Professor Lupin trouble? Or any of the parents?"

"Due to his lycanthropy?" at his nod she let out a small laugh. "I think we shall be pleasantly surprised by how the Ministry and most parents will react to the news that the vanquisher of the Dark Lord is teaching at Hogwarts."

Returning the smile hesitantly Neville nodded before he walked to his room to give the small owl a treat before writing his reply.

Tapping the tip of his quill on his desk a small smile broke out over his face, for the first time he truly looked forward to returning to Hogwarts.