Chapter 97:
"Have you noticed anything wrong with Harry since you've had him? Things such as nightmares or behavioural problems? They're not uncommon in children from bad homes."
"No, nothing like that, he's been great. I'm surprised, really; I swear he handles some of the things better I do."
Joanne nodded. "He certainly is a remarkable young man. I'll be honest when I say I can see no cause for concern. Harry appears to be well adjusted and he's settled with you; however, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask. Harry mentioned being independent, would you explain that f or me?"
"I think it's from him never having an adult to rely on. He sometimes doesn't realise he's not alone - that he can ask for help. It's not a problem really, and since living with us he's got a lot better. I think he's realised that we're here for him and that we won't abandon him," Sirius said.
"That's good. Have you any idea about his school work? I heard that's he's in Ravenclaw, so I'm guessing he's smart?"
"He's top of his class. I was thinking about writing to Professor Flitwick about getting him some advanced tutoring if he's still so ahead by Yule. I know he gets advanced work in Potions already."
"That is remarkable," Joanne said, surprised at just how advanced Harry was.
"I'm guessing that he got Lily's brains. Me and James were more interested in having fun when we were at school, Lil's was always the smart one."
"Have you spoken to him about his parents and his past? Not just the abuse, but everything? With his history and his fame, it's important he has a good foundation and knows he can talk to you about these things." Sirius nodded. She had no idea just how much of his past and technically future Harry had shared. "At the start Harry was hesitant to talk but since then he's opened up. I think he's told us pretty much everything and he knows he can come to me and Remus. He's got pictures of his parents and I've explained about the last war and what it involved, not the gory details, but the basics so he would understand."
"He took it well?"
"He said that if the world wants to move on and get better then we had to forgive and forget. He doesn't like to dwell on the bad stuff, he says it hold people back."