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batsutousaiTitle: Abandon
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.), Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing
Disclaim Her: In cannon, we all know and understand that Sirius Black will never return, I am sure.
Alas, this fic moves even farther from cannon. *cackles*
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
°°Phoenix speech°°
A/N: Oh and, uh, before you ask, yes, I love Sirius. He’s been one of my favourite characters for a while now, but I fear I was kinda mean to him this chapter... *scowls* My muse is laughing at me for under exaggerating...
-
Chapter 44, Part 1
-
"Sirius?"
Deadened grey eyes brightened behind the long locks of black hair. "Harry?"
"Oh, Merlin..." Harry shook his head a couple of times to clear it, then looked up at the Headmaster, who was watching him gravely. "Sir?"
"Go on." The Headmaster moved to the side slightly as Fawkes flew over to his shoulder.
Harry blinked a few times before stepping up to the side of the bed and staring down at a man they'd all thought dead. "You're really here?"
"That's supposed to be my line," Sirius teased, but his smile never touched his eyes. He lifted one hand and rested it on the side of Harry's face gently.
As if the touch had been a cue, Harry immediately leaned down and enveloped his godfather in a hug. "Sirius!"
Sirius' arms wrapped around the teen tightly and he closed his eyes. "This is real. Oh, thank Merlin, this is real," he whispered.
Tom! Tom! He's alive! He's alive! Harry cried happily, mentally hugging his lover.
Tom's answering smile was wary. But how? And why doesn't Dumbledore appear happy?
Harry's eyes shot open and he turned to look at the Headmaster, remaining in Sirius' embrace. "There's something wrong still," he said in a sharp tone. "What is it?"
"Sirius isn't cleared with the Ministry yet, Harry." Remus sighed. "The Ministry didn't clear him, but his death set his will into effect anyway."
Harry's eyes hardened. "Are they at least going to give him a trial?" he hissed.
"Escaped criminal," Sirius murmured. "No, I don't get a trial."
Green eyes flashed dangerously. "You get a trial. Even if I have to storm the Ministry of Magic by force, you will get a trial."
"Harry, it doesn't work that way..." Sirius sighed.
"Oh, yes it does," Harry shot back, eyes meeting Dumbledore's. "Permission to go to the Ministry, Headmaster?"
"No need, no need!" an annoyingly cheerful voice called as Fudge walked in the door, which none of them had seen open. Amelia Bones followed him in. The Minister shot the man on the bed a disgusted look, but it withered when he met the cold eyes of the Boy-Who-Lived. "Harry, my boy! Great to see you!"
Harry shot the man a cold smile. "I can hardly agree with you, sir. You see, I have this sinking feeling that you are here to condemn my godfather to Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit. If that's so, I fear we are on very bad terms."
"Harry," Remus hissed sharply, sending the boy a warning look.
But Harry was busy meeting Fudge's nervous gaze coldly. "Well?"
"Mr Potter, you must understand that we need evidence to clear Mr Black of all charges," Madam Bones said in a calming voice.
Harry stood slowly, one hand remaining on his first godfather's shoulder. "I have only the evidence in my mind, Madam. I have seen Peter Pettigrew, alive, working for Voldemort." The teen ignored the flinches the name received. "I have heard, from more than one source, that the Secret-Keeper for my parents and myself was switched at the last moment. I have seen Sirius Black working tirelessly to help the Order of the Phoenix. And I remember when Sirius was hexed into the Veil in the Department of Mysteries by Bellatrix Lestrange because I was a fool and went there on a whim!" he ended with a shout.
"Harry..." Sirius whispered, lifting one hand to rest it on Harry's arm and giving it a squeeze.
Harry shook his head sharply. "Sirius Black was sent to Azkaban Prison for a crime he never committed. If you condemn him to that place again, you will have done an injustice to a good man." His eyes narrowed at the two officials. "And you will have me as your enemy."
"Harry!" Sirius called. "That's enough."
Harry, Tom said warningly.
Harry clenched his fists and looked at his feet. If he returns to Azkaban, we destroy the Ministry.
Hold your temper. You're not thinking rationally, Tom replied soothingly, sending a wave of calm towards the teen.
Harry closed his eyes and relaxed his stance. Right. Sorry. Tom replied with a relieved chuckle as the teen glanced back up at the room around him. Madam Bones and Fudge were talking in low whispers away from the four Order members. "Sorry for losing my temper," Harry murmured to his four companions as Fawkes settled himself on his shoulder.
°°If you hadn't lost your temper, it would have worried the rest of us,°° Fawkes offered.
Harry smiled. "Probably."
Sirius' gaze shot up to look at the teen sharply, but Harry was busy watching the two Ministry officials. The Animagus turned his heated gaze on the Headmaster. "You inducted him," he hissed furiously.
Harry's hand squeezed his godfather's shoulder as Dumbledore nodded. "It was needed," the Headmaster said, by way of explanation.
"Please don't be angry?" Harry asked in a pleading whisper even as his face remained emotionless.
Sirius watched his godson sadly as the teen continued watching the officials. "I'm not angry at you, Harry."
"It was my choice." Harry glanced down at Sirius. "Please don't get pissy at Dumbles either, okay? Molly already did that."
"Well, if Molly's already yelled at him..." Sirius shrugged helplessly. Harry sniggered.
"Mr Potter, you make a good case," Madam Bones said at last. "But I'm assuming you're not planning on swearing anything under Veritaserum?"
"That is not a chance I'm willing to take," Harry agreed firmly, nodding his head.
When did he grow up? Sirius thought helplessly as the two Ministry officials turned to talk to one another again. And where's this ring from... He eyed the ring on Harry's ring finger warily. It appeared to have a Distortion Charm on it, since he couldn't make out exactly what it was. It looked like a family crest of some sort.
"The Ministry does not want Harry Potter as our enemy," Fudge sighed helplessly. "Sirius Black has been cleared of all charges."
Dumbledore smiled faintly while Remus gave a happy shout and hugged a gobsmacked Sirius. Harry winked at the Animagus and ran a hand through Fawkes' feathers before nodding formally to Fudge and Madam Bones. "Thank you."
"Of course." Madam Bones smiled faintly. "From what my niece has told me, to have you against us means we have the majority of Hogwarts against us. Not a chance we'd like to take."
Harry shrugged helplessly. "It's not my fault I'm the sensible one." He shot the Headmaster a mischievous look.
Dumbledore smiled fondly. "No, I suppose not."
"Ha! You've admitted it!" Harry shouted childishly, taking care to not disturb the phoenix on his shoulder. Everyone in the room laughed, even Fudge, who was tugging at his bowler hat nervously.
"Well, Mr Black, you are free from Ministry scrutiny," Madam Bones offered. "I believe that the St Mungo's staff would like you to remain overnight, though."
"Of course," Sirius agreed, smiling. Harry was pleased to note that the smile touched his eyes slightly.
"Good night, gentlemen," the witch offered, ushering Fudge out before her. She closed behind herself.
Harry turned to Dumbledore. "Please can I stay the night, sir? Please, please, please, please, please?"
"Now that's the old Harry I know and love!" Sirius called.
The Headmaster gave Harry a sharp look. "Very well. I will be back to collect you in the morning."
"Afternoon," Harry shot back. "Unless they let Sirius go before then."
Dumbledore frowned at the teen, but Harry held his gaze until he gave in. "Very well. Come on, Fawkes. We'll need to let the Order know." He turned to leave as Fawkes flew onto his shoulder. "Good night, gentlemen. Remus, don't leave Harry in here without you, at least until Sirius has been given back his wand."
"Yes, sir," Remus agreed while Sirius nodded. Dumbledore shot them all one last smile before leaving.
Once the door clicked shut, Harry collapsed onto the bed, draping himself over Sirius' legs. "This has been such a long day!"
Sirius chuckled and leaned forward to ruffle Harry's spiked hair. "I like this style. Why'd you change it?"
Remus laughed while Harry grinned widely. "Mad-Eye fixed it for me."
"It was a different colour before," the werewolf teased.
Harry's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Marcus hates pink." Remus burst into laughter again.
Sirius gave his godson a curious look. "Marcus?"
Harry's eyes shifted to his hands nervously, settling on his ring. "Marcus Brutús. I'm dating him," he replied in a voice that sent warning tingles through Sirius.
"What aren't you telling me?" Sirius asked suspiciously. He ignored the frantic signs Remus was making behind the teen to stop.
Harry glanced up at the wary grey gaze calmly. "What makes you think I'm not telling you something?"
"That look," Sirius replied. "Moony, stop trying to stop me."
Remus let out a strangled sound and threw his hands up in the air helplessly. "I tried!"
Harry shook his head at the amber-eyed man before glancing at Sirius, who was getting more suspicious each moment. "Marcus is Voldemort's top man."
Tense silence filled the room while Sirius and Harry stared at one another. Remus watched on worriedly, holding his breath.
Sirius smiled rather suddenly. "You had me going for a moment there. Voldemort's top man. That's a good one."
"I've never joked about the Dark Order," Harry replied coldly, standing. "And I never will."
Sirius' smile faded. "He's a spy like Snivellus, then," he said in a slightly disgusted tone.
"He's not." The teen's gaze was emotionless.
Sirius narrowed his eyes, choosing his anger over sensible thought, as usual. "Then I forbid you to see him."
"You have no control over me," Harry spat. "I am of age. And Remus already okayed it while you were gone."
Sirius shot his gaze to Remus, who refused to look at either of them, before looking back at Harry. "Then Remus can be your godfather. I don't want you."
Something the Animagus couldn't name flashed across Harry's face that made Sirius immediately regret his words. But, before he could take them back, Harry spun and stalked from the room.
Remus shot Sirius a look filled with venom. "Way to go, Padfoot. The first thing you do after waking up is have a fight with your godson who, might I remind you, just fought the Minister and Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for your freedom. Bravo."
Sirius felt his anger rise again at the biting sarcasm in Remus' voice. "I won't have my godson dating a Death Eater!"
"You don't get a choice!"
"I've made my choice!"
"Then maybe you should have stayed dead!" The dangerous gleam in Remus' amber eyes reminded Sirius of his werewolf heritage, which reminded him of the shaggy boy he'd loved with the constantly pained and betrayed eyes.
Sirius froze as he realized that it had been betrayal that had flashed across Harry's face the moment before he left. "...fuck..."
"Finally come to your senses?" Remus asked coldly.
Sirius gave his friend a bewildered look. "What happened to him?"
Remus' expression softened. "He grew up and fell in love, Sirius..."
But Sirius was shaking his head. "No, something else...something hurt him..." His eyes shot up to meet Remus'. "Who hurt him?"
"Hur– I-I don't know... I didn't even..." Remus shook his head as he sat on the edge of the bed. "But it makes sense. He was acting so different last year..."
Sirius buried his face in his hands. "I fucked up again, didn't I?"
"I'd have to say yes," Remus replied with no remorse.
"But, Moony, a Death Eater?" His eyes were pleading as he looked at his old friend.
Remus' eyes were sad. "It's–it gets worse..."
Sirius' eyes widened for a brief moment before they hardened. "Tell me."
The werewolf sighed. "Marcus isn't really a Death Eater..."
"Then what is he?"
"Voldemort."
Sirius froze for a moment, then shook his head sharply. "Voldemort has no heart, Remus."
"I've met him, Sirius," Remus whispered pleadingly. "He's different from the first war. He cares about Harry, Padfoot."
Sirius shook his head. "I can't see it. Moony, this is Voldemort we're talking about. We've fought him our whole lives."
"You'd know if you saw them," Remus insisted. "He hasn't been performing raids lately. It's been really quiet. It's all because Harry asked him not to."
"I can't see it." Sirius shook his head again. "I just can't."
Remus let out a helpless sigh. "Just, please, Padfoot, you have to go easy on him. Your death nearly killed him. He was like a zombie for a while..."
Sirius nodded. "Is he outside, do you think?"
Remus stood. "I'll check. And, Padfoot?"
"Yeah?"
"Please don't harp on him about him loving Voldemort. I think you really will lose Harry if you do that."
Sirius swallowed with difficulty. "I know that. If–" He looked down at his wrinkled hands. "If he's really that happy, then there's not much I can do, you know?"
"You could learn to keep your temper," Remus teased before slipping from the room to see if he could find his godson.
-~*~-
Tom sighed when he caught sight of the small form curled up in a ball in front of his fireplace. "You should have stayed," he murmured, closing the door.
"He doesn't want me. What does it matter?" Harry replied hollowly.
"He was angry and shocked." Tom settled on the rug behind the teen and tugged Harry back against his chest. "You've done the same thing in the past."
The younger wizard clutched tightly at his lover. "He hates me."
"He does not." Tom wrapped Harry in his arms and rested his head atop the red and silver head. "You're being unreasonable."
"Am not..." Harry muttered into the deep green robes.
The Dark Lord sighed. "You are, but you won't admit it for a while. Come on, bedtime."
"I'll stay here."
"No, you won't."
"I'd rather stay here."
Tom pulled away from the teen and stood. "And I want my teddy bear. Seeing as how I'm older, I get my wish. Come on."
Harry gave a faint laugh and allowed Tom to help him stand. "I'm not your teddy bear, you prat."
"No?" Tom cocked and eyebrow at the green-eyed wizard, leading the way to the bedroom. "Then what are you?"
"Your imp," Harry replied, resting his head on Tom's shoulder with a smile.
"Hum. I suppose you are," the Dark Lord replied lightly before sweeping Harry off his feet and tossing him onto the bed.
"Hey!" Harry laughed, dragging Tom down on top of him. "Bastard."
"And don't you know it," Tom hissed before pressing his lips to Harry's sharply.
Yes...
Tom pulled away and sat back, smiling. "Sleep."
"Why?" Harry asked with a pout.
The Dark Lord shook his head. "One, sex does not solve everything. Two, we're both tired after one hell of a stressful day. Sleep."
"Oh, you're no fun," the teen muttered, tugging his own robe and shirt off and tossing them on the floor before climbing under the blankets. "I was thinking about falling asleep while you were inside of me..."
"Are you suggesting sex with me is boring, you imp?" Tom shot back, picking up Harry's discarded clothing and putting them in the laundry with his own robe and shirt.
Harry sent him an evil smile. "Prove me wrong."
"Sleep," Tom replied evenly before sliding under the covers with the young wizard.
"Oh, poop."
"Is that what stinks so badly in here?"
Harry laughed and cuddled up against the Dark Lord. "Probably. Knowing you, you forgot to flush that toilet again."
Tom rolled his eyes and waved a hand to put out the lights. "Perhaps you were the one who forgot to flush."
"Nah. Smells like your poop."
The Dark Lord chuckled. "Go to sleep, imp."
"Okay, stinky," Harry chirped, closing his eyes. He fell asleep to Tom's soft laughter.
-~*~-
"Remus! What a surprise! And Sirius." Dumbledore smiled at the two Marauders, who he'd run into on his way to breakfast. "Where's Harry?"
"He and I got in to a bit of a fight last night," Sirius answered, cheeks flaring with a blush.
"The mediwitch at the front desk said he'd disapparated away from St Mungo's," Remus murmured warily. "We haven't a clue where he is. In fact, we were hoping he'd come back here."
"I haven't seen him." Dumbledore sighed.
"He's in my room," a voice said easily from behind the Headmaster.
The three men quickly moved so they could see the speaker and Dumbledore smiled. "Good morning, Marcus. I was thinking he might have hidden there."
Tom smirked at the horrified look on Sirius' face. "Something on my face, Black?"
"Marcus," Remus admonished. The Dark Lord shrugged unapologetically.
"Is he okay?" Sirius asked pleadingly, deciding he was more concerned with Harry's well-being than Voldemort being in Hogwarts.
Tom offered the Animagus a cold look. "Perhaps. What does it matter to you?"
"Now, Marcus." Dumbledore rested a hand on the Dark Lord's shoulder, which was immediately brushed off. "Why don't you lead Sirius and Remus off to your room so they can talk to Harry?"
"What if I don't want to?" Marcus shot back.
Bring them... Harry murmured sleepily.
"Marcus." The Headmaster's tone set off warning bells in the other three wizards' heads.
Tom sneered at the man. "Go have a sherbet lemon, Albus, before you drive me insane. Remus, come on, and bring your pet." He spun and started off down the hall back towards his room.
Remus smiled at Dumbledore, who was watching the retreating back of the Defence professor with an amused expression. "Good day, Albus. Come on, Padfoot." He tugged on the arm of his stupefied friend and, somehow, managed to drag him along after the Dark Lord.
The Marauders finally caught up outside the scowling portrait who guarded Tom's door. "What is it with you and bringing men into your room?"
"I'm beginning to think a lion would be a good idea," Tom said coldly. "They don't backtalk! Now open!"
"Temper, temper," the portrait replied, swinging open.
"In," Tom ordered the Marauders. He followed them inside and slammed the picture behind him.
"You know slamming it does no good, right?" Harry enquired mildly as he stepped out of the bedroom. He hadn't bothered to put a shirt on and his red and silver hair was more of a mess than usual, pointing out that he'd just got up. "Hullo, Remus."
Sirius looked like he'd been slapped as Harry smiled at the werewolf and ignored him. "Harry..."
"I thought you didn't want me, Black," Harry said bitingly, eyes narrowed at the man.
"I spoke before I thought!" Sirius cried, eyes wild. "I'm sorry!"
"Sorry doesn't fix everything," Tom spat before sweeping into his kitchen.
Harry's eyes glittered. "He's furious with you, Black."
"Is he going to kill me?" Sirius shot back, fighting with his anger.
"No." Harry cocked his head to one side, a curious look taking over his face. "I won't let him. Why?"
Sirius blinked a few times, confused. "But..."
"I'm not mad at you, I'm annoyed. He's the mad one."
"In more than one way," Remus muttered.
Harry grinned. "You bet."
"I heard that!" Tom called, poking his head out the kitchen doorway to glare at the werewolf.
"What are you planning on doing about it?" Harry teased.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the teen. "I can think of a few things." Harry burst out laughing.
There was a knock on the door and Harry stopped laughing rather suddenly, letting a hollow silence fall over the room. "Uhm, I'll get it..." Harry murmured.
"Get a shirt on," Tom ordered before walking over to the door.
Harry rolled his eyes and wandered back into the bedroom. Sirius' eyes widened at the tattoo on his back and would have said something if not for the voice of the newest visitor. "Black?!"
The two Marauders spun to look at Severus, who had just stepped into the room. "Snivellus," Sirius shot back bitingly.
"Not again." Harry groaned, walking back out from the bedroom, pulling on his green muscle shirt. "Won't you ever grow up, Sirius? Morning, Sevvie."
"What have I told you about calling me that?" Severus grumbled, scowling at the teen.
Harry gave him an innocent smile. "Not to."
Severus gave a hopeless groan while Tom and Remus laughed. Sirius was looking back and forth between his godson and school nemesis in confusion. "But..."
"Severus and I are friends," Harry said sharply, recapturing Sirius' attention. "And you two will get along or I'll hex you both."
Severus shuddered, looking horrified at the prospect, and nodded in agreement. "Right."
Tom snorted. "I'd start playing nice, if I were you, Black," he offered as he headed back into the kitchen.
"But you're not me, are you, Brutús?" Sirius shot back.
"No. But he does know me better," Harry offered, settling himself on the arm of Tom's chair.
Sirius stared at Harry for a long moment while both Severus and Remus sat quietly on the group of chairs in front of the fireplace. Harry watched him emotionlessly, awaiting his reply with a calm that Sirius had never seen in his godson or James in the past. Even Lily had had a temper that she couldn't always keep under reins or hide behind such a calm expression.
"Sit," Tom ordered, coming back out with a tray of tea things. "I hate it when people stand in the centre of my room, staring stupidly. Not that I shoul–"
"Marcus!" Harry called warningly. Tom frowned at him. I know you're pissed off at him but please try and cool it? He's still my godfather.
I don't have to live with him! Tom shot back coldly.
Oh? So you don't love me?
That's not what I said!
Then what did you say?
I– ARGH! Fine! Tom slammed the tray on the coffee table and sat in his chair with a pout.
Harry ruffled the Dark Lord's hair fondly before leaning forward to make himself some tea. I win. Tom slid further down in his chair with a huff.
Sirius sat next to Remus, shaking his head. The werewolf elbowed him pointedly. "See?" he hissed.
"Yes, I see. Doesn't make me like him, though," Sirius muttered. Remus rolled his eyes.
"Marcus," Severus interrupted suddenly.
Tom glanced up at the man, his pout fading into a serious expression. "Yes?"
"Albus sent me to see if you needed someone to cover your first class."
The Dark Lord glanced up at Harry. "Your choice."
The teen glanced down at his tea for a long moment before shaking his head. "Go on. If we set Severus on them, those poor fourth years will be scarred for life."
"Probably," Tom snorted, shooting his Death Eater an amused look.
Severus shook his head. "It's not my fault these brats have no back bones."
"Oh, they have backbones, Severus, trust me; they just melt when you're around," Harry teased as Tom stood and walked into his room to get his books for class.
"Oh, is that what it is?"
"Yup." Harry blinked a few times. "Perhaps I need to carry you around in my pocket, ya know? Much better for dealing with those little brats."
Much to Sirius' surprise, Severus laughed. "Perhaps you should." He stood. "Albus also asked me to tell you that he expects you in all of your afternoon classes. And he'd like it if you would attend lunch, since your little friends were bothering him about you."
"Sorry I missed it," Tom said, coming back out with a book and a stack of papers.
"Makes two of us." Harry sniggered, smiling.
Tom settled an arm around Harry's shoulders. "You'll be fine?"
"Yes."
"And if the mu– sorry, if Black gets on your nerves, you'll boot him out, right?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes. Go on. And don't hex any students."
Tom attempted an innocent look. "I wasn't going to hex anyone…"
"No maiming, either."
"Damn."
Harry chuckled and leaned up to kiss the man. I'll be fine.
I'm allowed to worry.
Yes, I know. Thank you.
Tom ruffled the teen's hair. "Love you, imp."
"I love you too, you bastard," Harry replied. "Severus, make sure he actually goes to class?"
"I'm not baby-sitting him," Severus replied evenly. "I have my own class to go to. Come on, Marcus. Before we're late."
"We're not going to be late," the Dark Lord replied even as he followed the Potions professor towards the door.
"You may not be late. I still have to go to the dungeons."
"You have Gryffindors. Take off points and tell them they're late."
"Albus will throw a fit."
"When has that ever stopped you?"
"Point."
The door closed behind the two Dark wizards, cutting off their conversation. Remus and Sirius traded looks before glancing at Harry, who had slid down into Tom's chair and was sipping at his tea calmly, eyes on the dancing flames in the fireplace.
"Where'd you get that shirt?" Sirius inquired after a long moment of silence.
"Aunt Petunia bought it for me while I was there a couple of months ago." Harry glanced up at his godfather. "While I was suspended."
"You got suspended?!"
"Yes." Harry shrugged. "I pissed off Dumbles, finally. The man's like a tank or something. Nothing gets to him."
"You did it on purpose?!"
"Yup." Harry smirked. "I was making a point."
"A point?"
"Yup."
Sirius turned to Remus. "Why didn't you stop him?"
"Sirius, he has Gryffindor determination. Nothing was going to stop him," Remus replied, leaning forward to make himself some tea. "How have you been, Harry? I haven't really had a chance to talk to you since you got back to school."
"Fine." Harry shrugged. "You know all of the exciting stuff that's happened."
Remus gave his godson a look. "Why don't you fill Sirius in, then?"
"He doesn't have to," Sirius replied, shaking his head.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm friends with all the Slytherins in my year because their parents all told them to make friendly, thanks to Marcus," he said. Sirius turned to stare at him and the teen offered a tight smile. "Oh, that's not even the best part, yet."
"Then what is?" Sirius inquired in a small voice, not so sure he wanted to know.
Harry grimaced. "Ron got Hermione pregnant on her birthday and the twins are due in June. Gin and I are the godparents. And Ron's in Azkaban because he tried to kill me."
"WHAT?!"
"Padfoot..." Remus sighed helplessly as the Animagus jumped up and started pacing back and forth in front of the couch he'd been sitting on.
"I'll kill the little shit!"
Harry rested his cheek on one hand, smiling at his godfather. "So sure?"
Sirius stopped pacing to frown at his godson. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"You know what. Why would Ron try to kill you?"
"Percy put him up to it." Harry's eyes gleamed dangerously. "I suppose it's what I get for joining Voldemort."
Sirius licked his lips, still watching his godson. "That's no reason to kill someone."
Harry frowned thoughtfully at his tea. "No, I suppose not." He glanced up at the standing wizard. "Remus had a long talk with you after I left, didn't he?"
"Yes." Sirius paused before speaking again. "Who hurt you?"
Harry froze and the colour drained from his face. "What?"
Sirius knelt on the floor in front of the young wizard. "Before you left, you looked betrayed. Someone hurt you, didn't they?"
"Sirius..." Remus shook his head, trying to get his old friend to leave Harry alone.
But Sirius shot him an annoyed look before setting his hands on Harry's knees and gazing up into the stormy green eyes of the young man. "Harry?"
Harry let out a choked sob and threw himself into the arms of his godfather. Sirius settled himself on the floor, arms full of Harry, and whispered soothingly while the teen cried.
Tom checked in mentally and, once he was sure Harry would be okay, sent a wave of love at the teen and returned his attention to his class.
"I'm sorry," Harry muttered at last, pulling away slightly.
"It's fine," Sirius told him firmly. "I'd rather know what was bothering you, though."
Harry shook his head. "No, it's okay. Marcus helped me through it." He glanced up at the grey eyes of his godfather. "Siri, I know you don't like him and all, but please try? He's the world to me, he really is." He paused, a small smile passing across his eyes. "Well, him and the Weasleys and Herm and all my other friends. And you and Remus."
Sirius ruffled the teen's hair, grinning. "I'll try, I suppose."
"You suppose?"
"Yeah, I suppose. If he calls me a mutt again, though, I might just hex him."
Harry laughed. "I'll have to warn him!"
"You do that." Sirius winked. "And I'll try not to insult him or anything."
"Or, if you do insult him, mind those comments about him being Dark," Harry said, tone serious. "Dumbles only suspects, and we don't need to give him any more evidence."
Sirius raised an eyebrow at the young man in his lap. "No? How'd you keep that from him?"
"It's been very difficult," Harry agreed. "But Gin and I have been his friends since this summer and the Weasley twins suggested him for the job in the first place. More people have started liking him as time's gone on, and that helps."
"Including Snivellus?" Sirius inquired.
"Severus." Harry rolled his eyes. "Now, really. If I can get along with him, surely you can stop calling him that ridiculous name."
"It fits him so well," Sirius whined.
"Oh, stop, Padfoot," Remus chastised. "Act your age for once."
"Ouch." Harry chuckled while Sirius attempted to look like a whipped dog. "Remus, you're horrible."
"I know!" The Animagus cried. "He's been nothing but mean since I woke up!"
Harry frowned at the two. "Woke up? Sirius, how long have you been at St Mungo's?"
"Ask Moony." Sirius shrugged.
Harry scowled at the werewolf around Sirius. "Well?"
"Ah, end of the last school year?" Remus ran a hand through his hair, watching the teen warily. "He came back out of the Veil on the same day he went in, only it was a year later..."
"Why didn't anyone tell me?!" Harry shouted. "And who knew?"
"Well, Albus, of course, and myself. And Mad-Eye, I think," Remus replied. "And Albus told me not to tell you. I mean, we weren't sure Sirius was even going to wake up, Harry!" he added quickly, seeing anger darkening the green eyes.
Sirius hugged Harry tightly. "I was in a coma, from what I heard, Harry. I'd been awake for about an hour when you came."
"You were the first person to know," Remus agreed. "And I did fight with Albus about not telling you, you know. He's like a tank."
Harry laughed at that. "Told you."
"Yes. You did." Remus shook his head, amused. "I'll never get used to your emotions, you know."
"They're bouncy," Harry agreed. "Marcus keeps telling me to pick one and stick with it."
"I agree with Marcus, then," Sirius offered.
Harry blinked a few times in shock. "No way! You're actually agreeing with my boyfriend! Wicked!"
Sirius smiled. "Yes, yes." He ruffled Harry's hair again. "What's with that tattoo, anyway?"
"Ooh, saw that, did you? Do you like it?" the teen inquired, eyes bright.
"I didn't get a good look at it, really." Sirius shrugged.
Harry grinned and hopped off of the Animagus' lap so he could pull off his shirt. "Well?"
Sirius chuckled and stood so he could get a good look. The basilisk and phoenix paused their fight long enough to stare back at the wizard before going back to snapping and pecking at one another. "That's amazing. I don't think I would have picked those animals myself, personally, but it fits you."
Harry smiled at his godfather and pulled his shirt back on. "Yup. The basilisk in the Order of the Phoenix."
Sirius snorted. "You're no basilisk, Harry. You're just one very odd Gryffindor."
"Perhaps." Harry's eyes gleamed with mischief. "You wanna know a secret?"
"Sure." Sirius grinned.
"Hey, Remus, this is one I bet even you don't know," Harry called to the werewolf.
"I wasn't aware you had any," Remus shot back, smiling.
"Guess what I'm going to be doing next year."
"An auror," Sirius replied easily.
Harry smirked. "Nope. I get to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts to little brats."
"Since when?!" Remus cried while Sirius gaped at the teen.
"Since Ron's trial. Dumbles says that the Auror Training Program won't take me 'cause I was suspended, so he offered that I teach here, instead."
"Safer, I suppose." Remus sighed.
"And I'm not supposed to tell anyone," Harry added. "But we all know how good I am at following the rules."
"So, how many of your little friends have you told?" the werewolf asked in amusement.
"None. I just gave them a few of hints." The teen smiled evilly. "And I think they figured it out, working together, but I can't tell you for certain."
"A few?" Sirius asked disbelievingly.
"Well, yeah. Severus and Marcus gave some too. I only gave, like, two, if even that many. It was funny."
"Snape was giving hints?" Sirius frowned.
"Yup! He's still a prick, but he's a nicer prick." Harry nodded cheerfully.
"A nicer prick..."
"Bingo!"
"Is there sugar in that tea of yours?" Remus asked in an amused voice.
"Perhaps." Harry waggled his eyebrows. "And perhaps I had something else this morning."
"Harry!" Sirius shouted, the laughter in his eyes ruining the reproach. Remus cracked up helplessly.
Harry glanced up at Sirius innocently. "What? I didn't do anything, swear."
"You don't have to do anything for that," Remus pointed out through his laughter.
"Well, sometimes you do. Depends on how worked up your partner is," Harry answered seriously. "And who's on top."
"You're a little monster." Remus chuckled while Sirius howled with laughter.
"Am not. I am an imp," Harry declared before wandering back into the bedroom for his robe, followed by the laughter of both his godfathers.
-~*~-
Chapter 44, Part 2
Abandon & Reclaim Series:
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 || 37 || 38 || 39 || 40
41 || 42 || 43 ||44 || 45 || 46 || 47
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.), Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing
Disclaim Her: In cannon, we all know and understand that Sirius Black will never return, I am sure.
Alas, this fic moves even farther from cannon. *cackles*
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
°°Phoenix speech°°
A/N: Oh and, uh, before you ask, yes, I love Sirius. He’s been one of my favourite characters for a while now, but I fear I was kinda mean to him this chapter... *scowls* My muse is laughing at me for under exaggerating...
Chapter 44, Part 1
-
"Sirius?"
Deadened grey eyes brightened behind the long locks of black hair. "Harry?"
"Oh, Merlin..." Harry shook his head a couple of times to clear it, then looked up at the Headmaster, who was watching him gravely. "Sir?"
"Go on." The Headmaster moved to the side slightly as Fawkes flew over to his shoulder.
Harry blinked a few times before stepping up to the side of the bed and staring down at a man they'd all thought dead. "You're really here?"
"That's supposed to be my line," Sirius teased, but his smile never touched his eyes. He lifted one hand and rested it on the side of Harry's face gently.
As if the touch had been a cue, Harry immediately leaned down and enveloped his godfather in a hug. "Sirius!"
Sirius' arms wrapped around the teen tightly and he closed his eyes. "This is real. Oh, thank Merlin, this is real," he whispered.
Tom! Tom! He's alive! He's alive! Harry cried happily, mentally hugging his lover.
Tom's answering smile was wary. But how? And why doesn't Dumbledore appear happy?
Harry's eyes shot open and he turned to look at the Headmaster, remaining in Sirius' embrace. "There's something wrong still," he said in a sharp tone. "What is it?"
"Sirius isn't cleared with the Ministry yet, Harry." Remus sighed. "The Ministry didn't clear him, but his death set his will into effect anyway."
Harry's eyes hardened. "Are they at least going to give him a trial?" he hissed.
"Escaped criminal," Sirius murmured. "No, I don't get a trial."
Green eyes flashed dangerously. "You get a trial. Even if I have to storm the Ministry of Magic by force, you will get a trial."
"Harry, it doesn't work that way..." Sirius sighed.
"Oh, yes it does," Harry shot back, eyes meeting Dumbledore's. "Permission to go to the Ministry, Headmaster?"
"No need, no need!" an annoyingly cheerful voice called as Fudge walked in the door, which none of them had seen open. Amelia Bones followed him in. The Minister shot the man on the bed a disgusted look, but it withered when he met the cold eyes of the Boy-Who-Lived. "Harry, my boy! Great to see you!"
Harry shot the man a cold smile. "I can hardly agree with you, sir. You see, I have this sinking feeling that you are here to condemn my godfather to Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit. If that's so, I fear we are on very bad terms."
"Harry," Remus hissed sharply, sending the boy a warning look.
But Harry was busy meeting Fudge's nervous gaze coldly. "Well?"
"Mr Potter, you must understand that we need evidence to clear Mr Black of all charges," Madam Bones said in a calming voice.
Harry stood slowly, one hand remaining on his first godfather's shoulder. "I have only the evidence in my mind, Madam. I have seen Peter Pettigrew, alive, working for Voldemort." The teen ignored the flinches the name received. "I have heard, from more than one source, that the Secret-Keeper for my parents and myself was switched at the last moment. I have seen Sirius Black working tirelessly to help the Order of the Phoenix. And I remember when Sirius was hexed into the Veil in the Department of Mysteries by Bellatrix Lestrange because I was a fool and went there on a whim!" he ended with a shout.
"Harry..." Sirius whispered, lifting one hand to rest it on Harry's arm and giving it a squeeze.
Harry shook his head sharply. "Sirius Black was sent to Azkaban Prison for a crime he never committed. If you condemn him to that place again, you will have done an injustice to a good man." His eyes narrowed at the two officials. "And you will have me as your enemy."
"Harry!" Sirius called. "That's enough."
Harry, Tom said warningly.
Harry clenched his fists and looked at his feet. If he returns to Azkaban, we destroy the Ministry.
Hold your temper. You're not thinking rationally, Tom replied soothingly, sending a wave of calm towards the teen.
Harry closed his eyes and relaxed his stance. Right. Sorry. Tom replied with a relieved chuckle as the teen glanced back up at the room around him. Madam Bones and Fudge were talking in low whispers away from the four Order members. "Sorry for losing my temper," Harry murmured to his four companions as Fawkes settled himself on his shoulder.
°°If you hadn't lost your temper, it would have worried the rest of us,°° Fawkes offered.
Harry smiled. "Probably."
Sirius' gaze shot up to look at the teen sharply, but Harry was busy watching the two Ministry officials. The Animagus turned his heated gaze on the Headmaster. "You inducted him," he hissed furiously.
Harry's hand squeezed his godfather's shoulder as Dumbledore nodded. "It was needed," the Headmaster said, by way of explanation.
"Please don't be angry?" Harry asked in a pleading whisper even as his face remained emotionless.
Sirius watched his godson sadly as the teen continued watching the officials. "I'm not angry at you, Harry."
"It was my choice." Harry glanced down at Sirius. "Please don't get pissy at Dumbles either, okay? Molly already did that."
"Well, if Molly's already yelled at him..." Sirius shrugged helplessly. Harry sniggered.
"Mr Potter, you make a good case," Madam Bones said at last. "But I'm assuming you're not planning on swearing anything under Veritaserum?"
"That is not a chance I'm willing to take," Harry agreed firmly, nodding his head.
When did he grow up? Sirius thought helplessly as the two Ministry officials turned to talk to one another again. And where's this ring from... He eyed the ring on Harry's ring finger warily. It appeared to have a Distortion Charm on it, since he couldn't make out exactly what it was. It looked like a family crest of some sort.
"The Ministry does not want Harry Potter as our enemy," Fudge sighed helplessly. "Sirius Black has been cleared of all charges."
Dumbledore smiled faintly while Remus gave a happy shout and hugged a gobsmacked Sirius. Harry winked at the Animagus and ran a hand through Fawkes' feathers before nodding formally to Fudge and Madam Bones. "Thank you."
"Of course." Madam Bones smiled faintly. "From what my niece has told me, to have you against us means we have the majority of Hogwarts against us. Not a chance we'd like to take."
Harry shrugged helplessly. "It's not my fault I'm the sensible one." He shot the Headmaster a mischievous look.
Dumbledore smiled fondly. "No, I suppose not."
"Ha! You've admitted it!" Harry shouted childishly, taking care to not disturb the phoenix on his shoulder. Everyone in the room laughed, even Fudge, who was tugging at his bowler hat nervously.
"Well, Mr Black, you are free from Ministry scrutiny," Madam Bones offered. "I believe that the St Mungo's staff would like you to remain overnight, though."
"Of course," Sirius agreed, smiling. Harry was pleased to note that the smile touched his eyes slightly.
"Good night, gentlemen," the witch offered, ushering Fudge out before her. She closed behind herself.
Harry turned to Dumbledore. "Please can I stay the night, sir? Please, please, please, please, please?"
"Now that's the old Harry I know and love!" Sirius called.
The Headmaster gave Harry a sharp look. "Very well. I will be back to collect you in the morning."
"Afternoon," Harry shot back. "Unless they let Sirius go before then."
Dumbledore frowned at the teen, but Harry held his gaze until he gave in. "Very well. Come on, Fawkes. We'll need to let the Order know." He turned to leave as Fawkes flew onto his shoulder. "Good night, gentlemen. Remus, don't leave Harry in here without you, at least until Sirius has been given back his wand."
"Yes, sir," Remus agreed while Sirius nodded. Dumbledore shot them all one last smile before leaving.
Once the door clicked shut, Harry collapsed onto the bed, draping himself over Sirius' legs. "This has been such a long day!"
Sirius chuckled and leaned forward to ruffle Harry's spiked hair. "I like this style. Why'd you change it?"
Remus laughed while Harry grinned widely. "Mad-Eye fixed it for me."
"It was a different colour before," the werewolf teased.
Harry's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Marcus hates pink." Remus burst into laughter again.
Sirius gave his godson a curious look. "Marcus?"
Harry's eyes shifted to his hands nervously, settling on his ring. "Marcus Brutús. I'm dating him," he replied in a voice that sent warning tingles through Sirius.
"What aren't you telling me?" Sirius asked suspiciously. He ignored the frantic signs Remus was making behind the teen to stop.
Harry glanced up at the wary grey gaze calmly. "What makes you think I'm not telling you something?"
"That look," Sirius replied. "Moony, stop trying to stop me."
Remus let out a strangled sound and threw his hands up in the air helplessly. "I tried!"
Harry shook his head at the amber-eyed man before glancing at Sirius, who was getting more suspicious each moment. "Marcus is Voldemort's top man."
Tense silence filled the room while Sirius and Harry stared at one another. Remus watched on worriedly, holding his breath.
Sirius smiled rather suddenly. "You had me going for a moment there. Voldemort's top man. That's a good one."
"I've never joked about the Dark Order," Harry replied coldly, standing. "And I never will."
Sirius' smile faded. "He's a spy like Snivellus, then," he said in a slightly disgusted tone.
"He's not." The teen's gaze was emotionless.
Sirius narrowed his eyes, choosing his anger over sensible thought, as usual. "Then I forbid you to see him."
"You have no control over me," Harry spat. "I am of age. And Remus already okayed it while you were gone."
Sirius shot his gaze to Remus, who refused to look at either of them, before looking back at Harry. "Then Remus can be your godfather. I don't want you."
Something the Animagus couldn't name flashed across Harry's face that made Sirius immediately regret his words. But, before he could take them back, Harry spun and stalked from the room.
Remus shot Sirius a look filled with venom. "Way to go, Padfoot. The first thing you do after waking up is have a fight with your godson who, might I remind you, just fought the Minister and Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for your freedom. Bravo."
Sirius felt his anger rise again at the biting sarcasm in Remus' voice. "I won't have my godson dating a Death Eater!"
"You don't get a choice!"
"I've made my choice!"
"Then maybe you should have stayed dead!" The dangerous gleam in Remus' amber eyes reminded Sirius of his werewolf heritage, which reminded him of the shaggy boy he'd loved with the constantly pained and betrayed eyes.
Sirius froze as he realized that it had been betrayal that had flashed across Harry's face the moment before he left. "...fuck..."
"Finally come to your senses?" Remus asked coldly.
Sirius gave his friend a bewildered look. "What happened to him?"
Remus' expression softened. "He grew up and fell in love, Sirius..."
But Sirius was shaking his head. "No, something else...something hurt him..." His eyes shot up to meet Remus'. "Who hurt him?"
"Hur– I-I don't know... I didn't even..." Remus shook his head as he sat on the edge of the bed. "But it makes sense. He was acting so different last year..."
Sirius buried his face in his hands. "I fucked up again, didn't I?"
"I'd have to say yes," Remus replied with no remorse.
"But, Moony, a Death Eater?" His eyes were pleading as he looked at his old friend.
Remus' eyes were sad. "It's–it gets worse..."
Sirius' eyes widened for a brief moment before they hardened. "Tell me."
The werewolf sighed. "Marcus isn't really a Death Eater..."
"Then what is he?"
"Voldemort."
Sirius froze for a moment, then shook his head sharply. "Voldemort has no heart, Remus."
"I've met him, Sirius," Remus whispered pleadingly. "He's different from the first war. He cares about Harry, Padfoot."
Sirius shook his head. "I can't see it. Moony, this is Voldemort we're talking about. We've fought him our whole lives."
"You'd know if you saw them," Remus insisted. "He hasn't been performing raids lately. It's been really quiet. It's all because Harry asked him not to."
"I can't see it." Sirius shook his head again. "I just can't."
Remus let out a helpless sigh. "Just, please, Padfoot, you have to go easy on him. Your death nearly killed him. He was like a zombie for a while..."
Sirius nodded. "Is he outside, do you think?"
Remus stood. "I'll check. And, Padfoot?"
"Yeah?"
"Please don't harp on him about him loving Voldemort. I think you really will lose Harry if you do that."
Sirius swallowed with difficulty. "I know that. If–" He looked down at his wrinkled hands. "If he's really that happy, then there's not much I can do, you know?"
"You could learn to keep your temper," Remus teased before slipping from the room to see if he could find his godson.
Tom sighed when he caught sight of the small form curled up in a ball in front of his fireplace. "You should have stayed," he murmured, closing the door.
"He doesn't want me. What does it matter?" Harry replied hollowly.
"He was angry and shocked." Tom settled on the rug behind the teen and tugged Harry back against his chest. "You've done the same thing in the past."
The younger wizard clutched tightly at his lover. "He hates me."
"He does not." Tom wrapped Harry in his arms and rested his head atop the red and silver head. "You're being unreasonable."
"Am not..." Harry muttered into the deep green robes.
The Dark Lord sighed. "You are, but you won't admit it for a while. Come on, bedtime."
"I'll stay here."
"No, you won't."
"I'd rather stay here."
Tom pulled away from the teen and stood. "And I want my teddy bear. Seeing as how I'm older, I get my wish. Come on."
Harry gave a faint laugh and allowed Tom to help him stand. "I'm not your teddy bear, you prat."
"No?" Tom cocked and eyebrow at the green-eyed wizard, leading the way to the bedroom. "Then what are you?"
"Your imp," Harry replied, resting his head on Tom's shoulder with a smile.
"Hum. I suppose you are," the Dark Lord replied lightly before sweeping Harry off his feet and tossing him onto the bed.
"Hey!" Harry laughed, dragging Tom down on top of him. "Bastard."
"And don't you know it," Tom hissed before pressing his lips to Harry's sharply.
Yes...
Tom pulled away and sat back, smiling. "Sleep."
"Why?" Harry asked with a pout.
The Dark Lord shook his head. "One, sex does not solve everything. Two, we're both tired after one hell of a stressful day. Sleep."
"Oh, you're no fun," the teen muttered, tugging his own robe and shirt off and tossing them on the floor before climbing under the blankets. "I was thinking about falling asleep while you were inside of me..."
"Are you suggesting sex with me is boring, you imp?" Tom shot back, picking up Harry's discarded clothing and putting them in the laundry with his own robe and shirt.
Harry sent him an evil smile. "Prove me wrong."
"Sleep," Tom replied evenly before sliding under the covers with the young wizard.
"Oh, poop."
"Is that what stinks so badly in here?"
Harry laughed and cuddled up against the Dark Lord. "Probably. Knowing you, you forgot to flush that toilet again."
Tom rolled his eyes and waved a hand to put out the lights. "Perhaps you were the one who forgot to flush."
"Nah. Smells like your poop."
The Dark Lord chuckled. "Go to sleep, imp."
"Okay, stinky," Harry chirped, closing his eyes. He fell asleep to Tom's soft laughter.
"Remus! What a surprise! And Sirius." Dumbledore smiled at the two Marauders, who he'd run into on his way to breakfast. "Where's Harry?"
"He and I got in to a bit of a fight last night," Sirius answered, cheeks flaring with a blush.
"The mediwitch at the front desk said he'd disapparated away from St Mungo's," Remus murmured warily. "We haven't a clue where he is. In fact, we were hoping he'd come back here."
"I haven't seen him." Dumbledore sighed.
"He's in my room," a voice said easily from behind the Headmaster.
The three men quickly moved so they could see the speaker and Dumbledore smiled. "Good morning, Marcus. I was thinking he might have hidden there."
Tom smirked at the horrified look on Sirius' face. "Something on my face, Black?"
"Marcus," Remus admonished. The Dark Lord shrugged unapologetically.
"Is he okay?" Sirius asked pleadingly, deciding he was more concerned with Harry's well-being than Voldemort being in Hogwarts.
Tom offered the Animagus a cold look. "Perhaps. What does it matter to you?"
"Now, Marcus." Dumbledore rested a hand on the Dark Lord's shoulder, which was immediately brushed off. "Why don't you lead Sirius and Remus off to your room so they can talk to Harry?"
"What if I don't want to?" Marcus shot back.
Bring them... Harry murmured sleepily.
"Marcus." The Headmaster's tone set off warning bells in the other three wizards' heads.
Tom sneered at the man. "Go have a sherbet lemon, Albus, before you drive me insane. Remus, come on, and bring your pet." He spun and started off down the hall back towards his room.
Remus smiled at Dumbledore, who was watching the retreating back of the Defence professor with an amused expression. "Good day, Albus. Come on, Padfoot." He tugged on the arm of his stupefied friend and, somehow, managed to drag him along after the Dark Lord.
The Marauders finally caught up outside the scowling portrait who guarded Tom's door. "What is it with you and bringing men into your room?"
"I'm beginning to think a lion would be a good idea," Tom said coldly. "They don't backtalk! Now open!"
"Temper, temper," the portrait replied, swinging open.
"In," Tom ordered the Marauders. He followed them inside and slammed the picture behind him.
"You know slamming it does no good, right?" Harry enquired mildly as he stepped out of the bedroom. He hadn't bothered to put a shirt on and his red and silver hair was more of a mess than usual, pointing out that he'd just got up. "Hullo, Remus."
Sirius looked like he'd been slapped as Harry smiled at the werewolf and ignored him. "Harry..."
"I thought you didn't want me, Black," Harry said bitingly, eyes narrowed at the man.
"I spoke before I thought!" Sirius cried, eyes wild. "I'm sorry!"
"Sorry doesn't fix everything," Tom spat before sweeping into his kitchen.
Harry's eyes glittered. "He's furious with you, Black."
"Is he going to kill me?" Sirius shot back, fighting with his anger.
"No." Harry cocked his head to one side, a curious look taking over his face. "I won't let him. Why?"
Sirius blinked a few times, confused. "But..."
"I'm not mad at you, I'm annoyed. He's the mad one."
"In more than one way," Remus muttered.
Harry grinned. "You bet."
"I heard that!" Tom called, poking his head out the kitchen doorway to glare at the werewolf.
"What are you planning on doing about it?" Harry teased.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the teen. "I can think of a few things." Harry burst out laughing.
There was a knock on the door and Harry stopped laughing rather suddenly, letting a hollow silence fall over the room. "Uhm, I'll get it..." Harry murmured.
"Get a shirt on," Tom ordered before walking over to the door.
Harry rolled his eyes and wandered back into the bedroom. Sirius' eyes widened at the tattoo on his back and would have said something if not for the voice of the newest visitor. "Black?!"
The two Marauders spun to look at Severus, who had just stepped into the room. "Snivellus," Sirius shot back bitingly.
"Not again." Harry groaned, walking back out from the bedroom, pulling on his green muscle shirt. "Won't you ever grow up, Sirius? Morning, Sevvie."
"What have I told you about calling me that?" Severus grumbled, scowling at the teen.
Harry gave him an innocent smile. "Not to."
Severus gave a hopeless groan while Tom and Remus laughed. Sirius was looking back and forth between his godson and school nemesis in confusion. "But..."
"Severus and I are friends," Harry said sharply, recapturing Sirius' attention. "And you two will get along or I'll hex you both."
Severus shuddered, looking horrified at the prospect, and nodded in agreement. "Right."
Tom snorted. "I'd start playing nice, if I were you, Black," he offered as he headed back into the kitchen.
"But you're not me, are you, Brutús?" Sirius shot back.
"No. But he does know me better," Harry offered, settling himself on the arm of Tom's chair.
Sirius stared at Harry for a long moment while both Severus and Remus sat quietly on the group of chairs in front of the fireplace. Harry watched him emotionlessly, awaiting his reply with a calm that Sirius had never seen in his godson or James in the past. Even Lily had had a temper that she couldn't always keep under reins or hide behind such a calm expression.
"Sit," Tom ordered, coming back out with a tray of tea things. "I hate it when people stand in the centre of my room, staring stupidly. Not that I shoul–"
"Marcus!" Harry called warningly. Tom frowned at him. I know you're pissed off at him but please try and cool it? He's still my godfather.
I don't have to live with him! Tom shot back coldly.
Oh? So you don't love me?
That's not what I said!
Then what did you say?
I– ARGH! Fine! Tom slammed the tray on the coffee table and sat in his chair with a pout.
Harry ruffled the Dark Lord's hair fondly before leaning forward to make himself some tea. I win. Tom slid further down in his chair with a huff.
Sirius sat next to Remus, shaking his head. The werewolf elbowed him pointedly. "See?" he hissed.
"Yes, I see. Doesn't make me like him, though," Sirius muttered. Remus rolled his eyes.
"Marcus," Severus interrupted suddenly.
Tom glanced up at the man, his pout fading into a serious expression. "Yes?"
"Albus sent me to see if you needed someone to cover your first class."
The Dark Lord glanced up at Harry. "Your choice."
The teen glanced down at his tea for a long moment before shaking his head. "Go on. If we set Severus on them, those poor fourth years will be scarred for life."
"Probably," Tom snorted, shooting his Death Eater an amused look.
Severus shook his head. "It's not my fault these brats have no back bones."
"Oh, they have backbones, Severus, trust me; they just melt when you're around," Harry teased as Tom stood and walked into his room to get his books for class.
"Oh, is that what it is?"
"Yup." Harry blinked a few times. "Perhaps I need to carry you around in my pocket, ya know? Much better for dealing with those little brats."
Much to Sirius' surprise, Severus laughed. "Perhaps you should." He stood. "Albus also asked me to tell you that he expects you in all of your afternoon classes. And he'd like it if you would attend lunch, since your little friends were bothering him about you."
"Sorry I missed it," Tom said, coming back out with a book and a stack of papers.
"Makes two of us." Harry sniggered, smiling.
Tom settled an arm around Harry's shoulders. "You'll be fine?"
"Yes."
"And if the mu– sorry, if Black gets on your nerves, you'll boot him out, right?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes. Go on. And don't hex any students."
Tom attempted an innocent look. "I wasn't going to hex anyone…"
"No maiming, either."
"Damn."
Harry chuckled and leaned up to kiss the man. I'll be fine.
I'm allowed to worry.
Yes, I know. Thank you.
Tom ruffled the teen's hair. "Love you, imp."
"I love you too, you bastard," Harry replied. "Severus, make sure he actually goes to class?"
"I'm not baby-sitting him," Severus replied evenly. "I have my own class to go to. Come on, Marcus. Before we're late."
"We're not going to be late," the Dark Lord replied even as he followed the Potions professor towards the door.
"You may not be late. I still have to go to the dungeons."
"You have Gryffindors. Take off points and tell them they're late."
"Albus will throw a fit."
"When has that ever stopped you?"
"Point."
The door closed behind the two Dark wizards, cutting off their conversation. Remus and Sirius traded looks before glancing at Harry, who had slid down into Tom's chair and was sipping at his tea calmly, eyes on the dancing flames in the fireplace.
"Where'd you get that shirt?" Sirius inquired after a long moment of silence.
"Aunt Petunia bought it for me while I was there a couple of months ago." Harry glanced up at his godfather. "While I was suspended."
"You got suspended?!"
"Yes." Harry shrugged. "I pissed off Dumbles, finally. The man's like a tank or something. Nothing gets to him."
"You did it on purpose?!"
"Yup." Harry smirked. "I was making a point."
"A point?"
"Yup."
Sirius turned to Remus. "Why didn't you stop him?"
"Sirius, he has Gryffindor determination. Nothing was going to stop him," Remus replied, leaning forward to make himself some tea. "How have you been, Harry? I haven't really had a chance to talk to you since you got back to school."
"Fine." Harry shrugged. "You know all of the exciting stuff that's happened."
Remus gave his godson a look. "Why don't you fill Sirius in, then?"
"He doesn't have to," Sirius replied, shaking his head.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm friends with all the Slytherins in my year because their parents all told them to make friendly, thanks to Marcus," he said. Sirius turned to stare at him and the teen offered a tight smile. "Oh, that's not even the best part, yet."
"Then what is?" Sirius inquired in a small voice, not so sure he wanted to know.
Harry grimaced. "Ron got Hermione pregnant on her birthday and the twins are due in June. Gin and I are the godparents. And Ron's in Azkaban because he tried to kill me."
"WHAT?!"
"Padfoot..." Remus sighed helplessly as the Animagus jumped up and started pacing back and forth in front of the couch he'd been sitting on.
"I'll kill the little shit!"
Harry rested his cheek on one hand, smiling at his godfather. "So sure?"
Sirius stopped pacing to frown at his godson. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"You know what. Why would Ron try to kill you?"
"Percy put him up to it." Harry's eyes gleamed dangerously. "I suppose it's what I get for joining Voldemort."
Sirius licked his lips, still watching his godson. "That's no reason to kill someone."
Harry frowned thoughtfully at his tea. "No, I suppose not." He glanced up at the standing wizard. "Remus had a long talk with you after I left, didn't he?"
"Yes." Sirius paused before speaking again. "Who hurt you?"
Harry froze and the colour drained from his face. "What?"
Sirius knelt on the floor in front of the young wizard. "Before you left, you looked betrayed. Someone hurt you, didn't they?"
"Sirius..." Remus shook his head, trying to get his old friend to leave Harry alone.
But Sirius shot him an annoyed look before setting his hands on Harry's knees and gazing up into the stormy green eyes of the young man. "Harry?"
Harry let out a choked sob and threw himself into the arms of his godfather. Sirius settled himself on the floor, arms full of Harry, and whispered soothingly while the teen cried.
Tom checked in mentally and, once he was sure Harry would be okay, sent a wave of love at the teen and returned his attention to his class.
"I'm sorry," Harry muttered at last, pulling away slightly.
"It's fine," Sirius told him firmly. "I'd rather know what was bothering you, though."
Harry shook his head. "No, it's okay. Marcus helped me through it." He glanced up at the grey eyes of his godfather. "Siri, I know you don't like him and all, but please try? He's the world to me, he really is." He paused, a small smile passing across his eyes. "Well, him and the Weasleys and Herm and all my other friends. And you and Remus."
Sirius ruffled the teen's hair, grinning. "I'll try, I suppose."
"You suppose?"
"Yeah, I suppose. If he calls me a mutt again, though, I might just hex him."
Harry laughed. "I'll have to warn him!"
"You do that." Sirius winked. "And I'll try not to insult him or anything."
"Or, if you do insult him, mind those comments about him being Dark," Harry said, tone serious. "Dumbles only suspects, and we don't need to give him any more evidence."
Sirius raised an eyebrow at the young man in his lap. "No? How'd you keep that from him?"
"It's been very difficult," Harry agreed. "But Gin and I have been his friends since this summer and the Weasley twins suggested him for the job in the first place. More people have started liking him as time's gone on, and that helps."
"Including Snivellus?" Sirius inquired.
"Severus." Harry rolled his eyes. "Now, really. If I can get along with him, surely you can stop calling him that ridiculous name."
"It fits him so well," Sirius whined.
"Oh, stop, Padfoot," Remus chastised. "Act your age for once."
"Ouch." Harry chuckled while Sirius attempted to look like a whipped dog. "Remus, you're horrible."
"I know!" The Animagus cried. "He's been nothing but mean since I woke up!"
Harry frowned at the two. "Woke up? Sirius, how long have you been at St Mungo's?"
"Ask Moony." Sirius shrugged.
Harry scowled at the werewolf around Sirius. "Well?"
"Ah, end of the last school year?" Remus ran a hand through his hair, watching the teen warily. "He came back out of the Veil on the same day he went in, only it was a year later..."
"Why didn't anyone tell me?!" Harry shouted. "And who knew?"
"Well, Albus, of course, and myself. And Mad-Eye, I think," Remus replied. "And Albus told me not to tell you. I mean, we weren't sure Sirius was even going to wake up, Harry!" he added quickly, seeing anger darkening the green eyes.
Sirius hugged Harry tightly. "I was in a coma, from what I heard, Harry. I'd been awake for about an hour when you came."
"You were the first person to know," Remus agreed. "And I did fight with Albus about not telling you, you know. He's like a tank."
Harry laughed at that. "Told you."
"Yes. You did." Remus shook his head, amused. "I'll never get used to your emotions, you know."
"They're bouncy," Harry agreed. "Marcus keeps telling me to pick one and stick with it."
"I agree with Marcus, then," Sirius offered.
Harry blinked a few times in shock. "No way! You're actually agreeing with my boyfriend! Wicked!"
Sirius smiled. "Yes, yes." He ruffled Harry's hair again. "What's with that tattoo, anyway?"
"Ooh, saw that, did you? Do you like it?" the teen inquired, eyes bright.
"I didn't get a good look at it, really." Sirius shrugged.
Harry grinned and hopped off of the Animagus' lap so he could pull off his shirt. "Well?"
Sirius chuckled and stood so he could get a good look. The basilisk and phoenix paused their fight long enough to stare back at the wizard before going back to snapping and pecking at one another. "That's amazing. I don't think I would have picked those animals myself, personally, but it fits you."
Harry smiled at his godfather and pulled his shirt back on. "Yup. The basilisk in the Order of the Phoenix."
Sirius snorted. "You're no basilisk, Harry. You're just one very odd Gryffindor."
"Perhaps." Harry's eyes gleamed with mischief. "You wanna know a secret?"
"Sure." Sirius grinned.
"Hey, Remus, this is one I bet even you don't know," Harry called to the werewolf.
"I wasn't aware you had any," Remus shot back, smiling.
"Guess what I'm going to be doing next year."
"An auror," Sirius replied easily.
Harry smirked. "Nope. I get to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts to little brats."
"Since when?!" Remus cried while Sirius gaped at the teen.
"Since Ron's trial. Dumbles says that the Auror Training Program won't take me 'cause I was suspended, so he offered that I teach here, instead."
"Safer, I suppose." Remus sighed.
"And I'm not supposed to tell anyone," Harry added. "But we all know how good I am at following the rules."
"So, how many of your little friends have you told?" the werewolf asked in amusement.
"None. I just gave them a few of hints." The teen smiled evilly. "And I think they figured it out, working together, but I can't tell you for certain."
"A few?" Sirius asked disbelievingly.
"Well, yeah. Severus and Marcus gave some too. I only gave, like, two, if even that many. It was funny."
"Snape was giving hints?" Sirius frowned.
"Yup! He's still a prick, but he's a nicer prick." Harry nodded cheerfully.
"A nicer prick..."
"Bingo!"
"Is there sugar in that tea of yours?" Remus asked in an amused voice.
"Perhaps." Harry waggled his eyebrows. "And perhaps I had something else this morning."
"Harry!" Sirius shouted, the laughter in his eyes ruining the reproach. Remus cracked up helplessly.
Harry glanced up at Sirius innocently. "What? I didn't do anything, swear."
"You don't have to do anything for that," Remus pointed out through his laughter.
"Well, sometimes you do. Depends on how worked up your partner is," Harry answered seriously. "And who's on top."
"You're a little monster." Remus chuckled while Sirius howled with laughter.
"Am not. I am an imp," Harry declared before wandering back into the bedroom for his robe, followed by the laughter of both his godfathers.
Chapter 44, Part 2
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 || 37 || 38 || 39 || 40
41 || 42 || 43 ||
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
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