A/N: This story is an AU. There's no Voldemort and Harry is raised by Sirius since James and Lily died fighting the Dark Lord to save their son. This will be a three-chapter or a five-chapter piece at most. I'm almost done writing my six-chapter revenge fic which is scheduled for release on A03 for the New Year.
I started this one since the idea won't leave my head. I'm not sure if I'll finish this or Queen of the Yule Season first. It all depends on my muse. Christmas is getting closer and closer. I hope I could update one of my old stories in time for the 25th. Fingers crossed!
Let me know if you liked this one.
ZERO VISIBILITY
by: tweety-src-clt9
Chapter One
Sirius Orion Black, the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, loves his godson, Harry James Potter, very much. After his best friend, James Potter, died with his beautiful wife, Lily, many years ago, he pledged to their graves that he would love their son with all of his heart and care for him like his own. Fulfilling his vows as the magically sworn godfather and blood-bound father to Harry to honor the deaths of his friends is the very least he could do. James and Lily, his dear friends, or as the wizarding world called them, The Martyrs Who Saved, ended the evilest dark lord since Gellert Grindelwald, Tom Marvolo Riddle also known as Voldemort. James and Lily died not to save the world but they sacrificed their lives so that their only son could live. Even Harry himself has a bloody moniker, the Boy Who Lived.
Because he didn't want Harry to experience the same childhood he had, he quite honestly, spoiled the lad very much. Of course, Harry inherited Lily's logical mind so the lad didn't grow up to be a bad wizard. Harry is just a little bit reckless like James, he adored Quidditch, and well, the lad absolutely knows how to work his naturally tousled raven hair and emerald green eyes to perfection. Since seventeen-year-old Harry James Potter has the roguish good looks from his parents, James' athleticism, Lily's brilliance, and his godfather's charms, he grew up to be a ladies' man. If you add the fact that the pup (his nickname for Harry) is the sole heir to the Potter fortune and title, not to mention his fame, then it's no surprise that witches are all over Harry…
This brings Sirius to his current dilemma… He loved his godson very much and he didn't want Harry to suffer the same fate as him. He didn't want Harry to suffer the loss of the only woman who would have completed his life if only he got his head out of his arse in time before she married someone else.
As he thought about his problem, his mind drifted to an important conversation that he had, just a week before Harry's final year at Hogwarts started…
"Come in!" He called out to whoever was knocking on the door to his study. To his surprise, his godson's female best friend, Hermione Granger, entered the room.
"Hello, Hermione! What can I do for you this fine afternoon?" He greeted the petite brunette. He liked this girl. She would be good for his godson.
"Hi Lord – "
"What did I tell about the whole Lord thing, Hermione?" He interrupted.
"I know. But well, this is official business," there's an adorable blush to her cheeks. Harry better get his head out of his arse or this little lady would be taken away by some other young wizard.
"Oh, I see... Well then, please have a seat, Ms. Granger," he said indulgingly.
"Lord Black, I would like to ask a favor from you," Hermione started and he nodded encouragingly. "I would like it very much if you could be so kind as to write a recommendation letter for me. Seeing as you've known me for so long, and well – you're a person of influence, and – "
"Of course, Hermione. But what is this recommendation for?" He grinned.
"I am applying to the Instituto de Medicina Magica. And well, I need three recommendations. I was hoping you could be the third one," she said shyly.
"The IMM eh? But isn't that in Salamanca, Spain?" He asked curiously and she nodded.
"If I get selected, I'd finally get the chance to learn about healing in the premier school of wizarding medicine in the entire world!" Hermione had a wistful tone in her voice as she said that. Her passion for learning is so like Lily Evans Potter that he could only hope and pray that his godson will finally see this treasure in front of him.
"I see… I'm sure you'll get in… And I'll be happy to recommend you, but does Harry know about this?" He couldn't help but pry.
"Er, no… I – well, I still have to tell him. I reckon I'll tell him when I get – "
"Hermione, you know how Harry is. You've been his best friend ever since you met in the park when you were five. You have to tell him about this," Sirius said gently.
"I will tell him. As soon as I get accepted," Hermione muttered as she averted her gaze.
"Hermione, how would you feel if Harry kept something like this as a secret from you?"
"We're graduating soon, Sirius… We're not kids anymore… Besides, with all the girls chasing after him – I, er, well, he'll be okay," her cheeks had this bright red flush. There was a certain sadness in her chocolate brown eyes that reminded him of the forlorn face of the only woman he's ever loved every time he introduces to her his new girlfriends. He lost Amelia Bones many years ago because of his stupidity and blindness.
"He'll come around, Hermione… Wizards are just silly dumb – "
"No! Er, it's not like that! I'm just saying that he won't miss me. That's for sure," she shrugged.
"Oh hooh! You want to bet about that?" He smirked and Hermione flushed even more. The young witch cleared her throat and he noticed a look of determination on her face.
"So… will you recommend me, Lord Black?" Hermione looked at him with her doe-like eyes pleading him to agree to her request. He could tell that she really wanted this opportunity.
"Of course, Hermione. The House of Black is honored to offer support to the Brightest Witch of her Generation," he gave her a playful wink which made her chuckle.
"Yay! Thank you, Sirius!" She squealed before she ran to his seat and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He's witnessed how Hermione Granger grew up to be a beautiful and brilliant young lady which made him so proud of her. In a way, Hermione is like a niece to him.
"Of course, Sweetie! You're very welcome. Anything for my godson's favorite witch," he teased. When he glanced up at her, he mentally did a victory dance. He's certain that Hermione fancied or maybe even loved his godson. Now if only the pup would stop chasing after those witches who only want him for his fame, wealth, and looks, then everything would be perfect.
"You don't know how much this means to me! Thank you, Sirius," Hermione said with a grateful smile.
"You know, if you tell the future Lord Potter about this, I'm sure he'd love to help out as well," he wiggled his eyebrows playfully and she rolled her eyes.
"Ha-ha! Very funny!"
"I'm just saying! It's a pureblood tradition for the wizard's family to pay for their witch's schooling," his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Sirius! I'm not Harry's, er, witch so that doesn't apply to me," she countered.
"Oh well! You'll never know… Why don't you run along and play silly games with the pup?" He cajoled. Hermione sighed in exasperation and waved him goodbye. When she exited his study, he was deep in thought. He cannot imagine Harry's reaction when he finds out that the only constant witch in his life is determined to leave him for a long time…
Sirius took a deep breath as his mind returned to the present. He just got a letter from his godson this morning. Harry said that he and Hermione were enjoying their time together as Head Boy and Head Girl. While that news brought a smile to his face, the next tidbit of information made him feel really sad. Harry is dating another girl this time around. Some Slytherin sixth year whose name he cannot recall. He's honestly scared for the pup. He's already written his recommendation letter for Hermione last month and come January next year, the results would be in. If Harry doesn't get his act together, Hermione could leave for Spain with a broken heart.
No! I can't let that happen! They must get together before Hermione leaves and just gives up on Harry! I can't let Harry go through the pain of seeing the one you love marrying someone else…
"What should I do?" He muttered desperately as he flipped through the pages of the book, Eros: The Secrets of Love Spells and Potions. As he frantically skimmed through the pages, his eyes caught something interesting.
"Unleashing Your Heart's Hidden Desire," he read out loud. When he perused the details from this section of the book, he smirked. You better watch out, pup! You will miss Hermione so much that you could end up proposing marriage during graduation, he thought as he scribbled a letter for his notorious business partners, George, and Fred Weasley.
Harry Potter is sitting beside his girlfriend, Claudia Beringer, at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. He's craning his neck towards the entrance since his best friend, the Head Girl, is nowhere to be seen. It's only thirty minutes left until the start of their first period, Defense Against the Dark Arts. Since Professor Remus Lupin is already training the seventh year NEWT students on basic auror combat spells, Hermione needs to eat breakfast so she would have the energy to sustain herself for the double period.
"Harry…" His girlfriend whined and he mentally rolled his eyes. Why did I date this witch in the first place? She's so annoying…
"Hey mate!" Ronald Weasley, one of his closest friends, greeted him.
"Hi! Have you seen Hermione?" He inquired.
"You're her roommate, Harry... So how should I know?" Ron said as he took the seat across from him. Sitting on Ron's left side is his god-brother and best friend, Neville Longbottom.
"I'm sure Hermione will be here soon, Harry," Neville said reassuringly.
"I'm just worried about her. I didn't see her this morning," he tried to be nonchalant but Neville understood his agitation. Hermione is their best friend after all.
"You always talk about her!" Claudia huffed.
"Hermione is my best – " before he could continue his rant, he noticed that Neville waved a hand to him.
"Yeah, Nev?"
"You like strawberry drinks, right?" He nodded in reply.
"Here you go. You can have this one. I don't know why Gran - but whatever," Neville shrugged. Since he was focused on his god-brother, he didn't notice Ron's anxious look on the bottle that Neville handed to him.
"Oh! Brilliant! Thanks, Nev!" He gratefully accepted the drink. He excitedly opened the bottle and took a sniff. Smelling the sweet tangy flavor of strawberry, he finished the bottle in one go.
"That was delicious!" He grinned which made Neville laugh.
"Tha' good, eh 'Arry?" Ron murmured while stuffing himself with food. He only nodded at his ginger friend.
"Look, Harry! There's Hermione!" Neville exclaimed.
"Where?" He had a look of confusion on his face.
"Over there! By the door! Look!" Neville pointed. His eyes followed Neville's finger but he didn't see Hermione.
"Nev, are you sure?" He gave his god-brother an incredulous look.
"Come now, Harry! Hermione is walking towards us," Claudia rolled her eyes.
"Are you guys pranking me?" He frowned. What are they talking about? Hermione's not here!
"She's literally less than ten feet away from us now, Harry," Neville sighed.
"Are you kidding?!" He was aghast. He saw Neville standing up and beckoned someone over. He heard footsteps running towards them but he saw no one there.
"Hi, guys! Is everything alright?" A voice that sounded like Hermione could be heard but he cannot see her.
"Her – Hermione?" He exclaimed.
"Harry! Don't shout! Is everything alright?" She sounded worried.
"Where are you, 'Mione?" He was panicking now.
"Harry! I'm standing two feet away from you," he could hear the exasperation in her voice.
"Are you under a concealment charm? An invisibility cloak?" He was very worried now. Please say this is just a prank!
"What?! Of course, not!" She was aghast.
"Then why can't I bloody see you?!" He's starting to get pissed at whoever did this to him.
"I don't know! Harry Potter! If this is one of your stupid pranks – " Hermione's rants stopped when he stood up from his seat and just followed the sound of her voice while extending both his hands in front of him.
"Harry!" She was aghast. He felt something soft, round, and well, it felt good to touch although he can't see what it was.
"Ow!" He gripped his cheek that got slapped by something or someone.
"I can't believe you just groped me in front of everyone!" Hermione said angrily.
"What? What are you talking about? I can't even see you," he retorted. What the hell is going on?
"Mr. Potter! Ms. Granger! My office. Now!" He turned around and saw the stern face of the Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall.
"Professor! You got to help me! I can't see Hermione!" He explained.
"Shut it, Potter! Let's talk inside my office. You too, Ms. Granger, follow me!" Professor McGonagall led the way.
"You can see Hermione?" He was confused.
"Of course, I can, Potter!" the professor said with exasperation.
"But why can't – "
"Honestly, Harry! If you can't see me, then why did you – you – grope me!" Hermione hissed.
"Oh… Is that what it was," he muttered as his cheeks heated up. No wonder it felt so plump in my hands, he thought. When his mind processed what his hands touched, he mentally chastised himself. He cannot think of such things about his best friend!
"Is that all that you have to say?!" He could feel Hermione's magic pulsing around them.
"Potter! Granger! Stop it! Or it will be detention for the two of you!" Professor McGonagall interrupted.
"Sorry," they chorused. Properly chastised, they quietly walked towards the office of Professor McGonagall. When they entered, the stern professor pointed to the two seats across her desk. They immediately complied and waited for their punishment.
"Now will you please tell me what's going on, Potter? You just groped Ms. Granger in the Great Hall!" He could tell that the professor is just trying to reign in her temper.
"I'm sorry Hermione, Professor. But honest! I didn't know what I was touching! I can't even see Hermione," he raised his right hand in a gesture of a promise.
"That sounds absurd!" Hermione said incredulously.
"Look, I know it is! But I swear Hermione! I can only hear your voice, hell, I could feel your magic! But I just can't see you," he pleaded for her to understand. There were a few minutes of silence and he thanked Merlin for Professor McGonagall's presence. If the stern professor isn't here, his balls would most likely be severely hexed by now.
"I believe you, Harry… But what is going on?" Hermione said after some minutes passed.
"It seems that Mr. Potter is under some sort of spell or potion," Professor McGonagall interrupted.
"Is Harry going to be blind, Professor?" He could hear the concern in Hermione's voice. Even though he can't see her, he smiled. She had always cared for him and worried over him. The way she fussed over him always made him feel special. He is so lucky to have her in his life.
"No, Ms. Granger. He won't be blind, of that, I can assure you. I've heard of this enchantment before. Sad to say, it has no cure. It will only wear off when the person suffering from it realizes something," Professor McGonagall had a knowing glint in her eyes.
"What do I have to realize?" Harry whined.
"That's for you to find out, Potter," the professor smirked.
"Great!" He muttered sarcastically and Hermione chuckled.
"Now that we've talked about this, I reckon you both will manage?"
"Yes, Professor!" Hermione replied. Harry didn't reply because to him, it feels so weird to hear Hermione's voice but she remains to be invisible to him.
"Potter?"
"Er, yes. Yes, Professor," he replied.
"Well then, run along!" The Professor dismissed them. He heard Hermione stand up so he just followed her. When he closed the door, he tried to look for his best friend but she remained to be unseen.
"Hermione, wait!" He yelled.
"No need to shout, Harry! I'm right here," she chuckled.
"Oh. Sorry," he said sheepishly.
"It's alright… Sorry about that slap by the way," she said as they walked along the corridor. This feels so bloody weird!
"' Mione?"
"Hmmm?"
"Could you, er, hold my hand? It just, well, it feels so weird to hear you but I can't see you," his eyes looked around as he tried but failed to find a clue as to where she could be.
"Oh! Okay!" Hermione agreed and he immediately felt her dainty hand hold on to his much larger one. He looked to where their hands were entwined but he got frustrated. It feels so crazy to be holding on to something he couldn't see.
"This is so frustrating!" He exclaimed.
"Harry… it will be alright," she reassured him by squeezing his hand.
"Why can't I see you of all people? If there's a person I would rather not see, it would be Malfoy," he pouted and she laughed.
"Harry, if you can't see Malfoy, then he'd use that as an advantage to hurt you or prank you," she said with amusement.
"But I'd rather get pranked than to suffer not seeing you," he stomped his foot in exasperation.
"You're such a baby, Potter!" She teased.
"Very funny! Put yourself in my shoes. You couldn't see me but you could hear and touch me. And then you'll understand!" He huffed.
"Honestly! It's not like you won't survive without seeing me!"
"You know how much I miss you when you're gone," he said sincerely.
"Consider this thing as something like my family's summer trips when you don't come along then… Besides, at least it's me you can't see. Imagine if it was Claudia, eh?" She tried to make him feel better but it didn't work. He'd rather swap the ability to see his annoying clingy girlfriend if he could choose to because frankly, he'd rather see his best friend every day.
"Oh, Harry! We should hurry! We'd be late for DADA!" Hermione let go of his hand and he heard her running away. He sighed as he ran after her. Remus Lupin is his Uncle, but in class, he's still the perfect balance of the strict and friendly defense professor. So, if he doesn't want to get a detention, he can't be late.
They made it just in time with only one minute left to spare before the start of the first period. After making roll calls, and giving a brief review of what they recently discussed, Professor Lupin banished the tables and chairs of the classroom.
"Alright, enough theory! Pair up with your sparring buddies and practice!" The Professor clapped his hands encouraging them to hurry up.
"Professor?" Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?" Professor Lupin smiled at the Head Girl.
"Harry has, er, vision problems. He cannot see me at all, so I reckon I should partner with someone else instead?" Hermione suggested. Professor Lupin usually pairs the class in terms of skill level. Since he is the top student in DADA and Hermione is second, they pair up during sparring matches so they could challenge each other.
"I see… Hmmm… Mr. Boot, switch with Mr. Potter," Professor Lupin said. Harry frowned. Why did Hermione have to get paired with Terry Boot of all people? He had a bad feeling about the Ravenclaw since he always stared at Hermione. It annoyed him to have someone staring at his best friend that way.
"I'll see you later, Harry. No pun intended," Hermione squeezed his arm before walking away towards her new sparring buddy. If I want to see Hermione again, then I must realize whatever the bloody hell it is that I must so that this spell would be broken… If not, then who knows what kind of touching Boot will do to her?