Parseltounge
"Speech"
Thoughts/Telepathy
/flashback/
Map writing
Chapter 16
Ending the Year
Hermione and Neville sought out Kira, Blaise and Draco in the stands. The three Slytherins made room but remained silent as the two lions joined them. Neville sat beside Kira while Hermione sat next to him. He leaned over and said quietly, "We've been talking all morning." Kira nodded that she heard him. He continued, "Hermione and I still want to be your friends."
Kira looked toward him and her eyes strayed over to Hermione. She raised an eyebrow in question and Hermione nodded. Kira said, "We will talk to my brother after the game."
"Thank you," said Hermione. She sincerely cared about Harry, Kira, Draco and Blaise. She felt she was capable of handing their darkness, just as long as she didn't have to witness it.
Neville smiled shyly. He was glad he wouldn't be loosing the friendship of the four Slytherins. He quietly said, "I'm sorry. I hope you'll be able to forgive me."
Kira replied, in a quiet voice as well, "You already are, but you will have to re-earn our trust. But enough on that, the game is about to start." Kira thought to her brother, We haven't lost our lions. Her mental voice was filled with relief.
We'll have to test their honesty before we accept them again.
I know. I believe they are sincere in wanting to remain our friends. I hope we will be able to trust them.
So do I. Wish me luck.
You don't need it, but good luck.
Thanks.
Lee announced the teams and the game began.
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Severus made his way through the throng of Slytherins. Almost the entirety of the house was surrounding Harry and the quidditch team. He reached Harry without too much difficulty. The Slytherins moved out of his way without any real prompting as he approached Harry. He leaned down to speak into the seeker's ear. "The headmaster wishes to see you Mr. Potter."
Harry scowled, "Now sir?" Severus nodded. Harry sighed, "Okay, I'll come." He turned toward Kira, who was a few feet way. "I'll see you guys later. Make sure Hermione and Neville don't run off anywhere; they have to celebrate with us." Kira nodded. Harry then turned back to Severus and nodded.
Severus led Harry through the assembled students. More than one commented "Good game" or "Great play Potter" as they passed. Severus remained silent as Harry followed. Harry thanked the well wishers but he did not pause. Harry watched his Professor for unconscious clues as they walked. Whatever the Headmaster wanted, it was not something Professor Snape approved of.
Severus was lost in his thoughts as he led Harry through the halls. He was disconcerted about the boy. Harry had been nothing like what he expected. Severus could see so much of Lily in the boy that he could almost forget James was his father. He had come to respect and like the Harry Potter he met in the past year. This boy, this young Slytherin, was everything James wasn't. Severus knew he had come to care about Harry during the year and hated what he knew was coming. He knew a summer with Black could change Harry. He remembered how a semester had changed his old friend. Severus pushed his unwanted thoughts away as he snarled the password to the gargoyle.
Harry shook his head at the emotional outburst. He had been fully aware, empathically, of professor Snape's rising anger as they walked. He could feel a hint of fear and uncertainty under that anger and wondered what it meant. He followed the snarky potions master up the revolving staircase. He was unsurprised when Dumbledore's voice said, "Come in," as they reached the door. The two Slytherins entered the eclectic office.
Albus Dumbledore stood in front of his desk. Another man stood only a few feet away from him. The other man was ruggedly good looking with dark ebony black hair tied at the base of his neck. His blue eyes were a shade of cobalt that seemed very familiar to Harry. The dark haired wizard had a slight smile on his lips and something about the joy and sadness in his eyes tugged on Harry's heart in a confusing way. The man was studying Harry as Harry studied him.
Harry turned his attention away from the enigmatic new wizard and asked, "You wished to see me, Headmaster?"
"Yes Harry..."
"Sir!" Harry snarled the word. "I have told you before; you DO NOT have that right."
Albus tried not to appear ruffled, but the wand-less magic and anger Harry sensed told him otherwise. The headmaster said, "Mr. Potter this is Sirius Black."
"The auror?" gasped Harry just before he did the strangest thing. Harry hid behind his stunned Head of House. Severus stiffened. He had never before been used as a human shield and everything he had seen in Harry's personality said this was out of character.
"Harry," said Sirius softly. His voice was coaxingly quiet. "I'm not going to hurt you."
Harry peaked out from behind his shield. Albus was amazed. There was fear in the eyes of the boy-who-lived. The aged Headmaster had never expected to see that. Harry snappishly questioned, "Then why are you here?"
Sirius sighed, "Harry, I don't know if you know this, but I'm your godfather and legal guardian."
Harry's face paled. Severus managed to glace down and was almost certain Harry was preparing to run. Harry looked up at Severus. The elder Slytherin could see pleading in the youth's eyes. He tried to relay with his eyes that his hands were tied, Harry seemed to understand. Harry looked back at Sirius and buried his fear.
Almost rashly he said, "So you're here to give the headmaster permission to use Veritaserum!" He also moved out from behind his professor. He may not be a Gryffindor, but he had Slytherin pride. Harry refused to cower before the man who planned on destroying his life.
Sirius winced and quickly said, "No Harry, I have forbidden Headmaster Dumbledore from using Veritaserum on you. I don't believe he has the right to demand knowledge of your childhood. Nor would I ever submit a child to the effects of Veritaserum, especially not you."
Harry looked confused. He asked, "Then WHY are you here?"
Sirius replied, "I'm here because I'm your guardian. I'm here to take you home with me tomorrow."
Harry snapped, "I'm not going."
"You have no choice Mr. Potter," said Albus Dumbledore before Sirius could respond. He had been watching Harry carefully and had expected that answer. As Harry glared at him he continued, "You can willingly go with Mr. Black for the summer or you can come under my guardianship. I guarantee you will not be returning to the Riddles." Albus saw the rebellion and anger in Harry's eyes. He knew, however, that he had won a small victory. Harry would not refuse to go with Sirius now. Albus was staring intently at Harry as the boy thought about his options. Albus had been amazed at the loss of control the boy had displayed, but he had been hoping for just such reactions.
Severus was infuriated. Albus was selfishly ripping Harry away from the life he knew in order to mold the boy into a miniature version of his father. Severus wished he had a port-key to pass to Harry, to rescue him as the Dark Lord had done over Christmas. Severus knew Voldemort was an evil bastard, but somehow the man had raised a boy that Severus would have been proud to call son. He glared at Albus and Sirius in turn before placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry looked up at him and Severus nodded, it was the only comfort he could give. Harry turned back toward the other two wizards and said in a resigned voice, "Fine, I'll go with Mr. Black."
Sirius scowled slightly at Severus but smiled at Harry. "Harry, please call me Sirius or Padfoot."
Severus felt a transformation in the boy. His shoulder muscles suddenly seemed to loosen. Severus removed his hand and wondered what happened. Albus watched as Harry's face seemed to light up. He wondered why. He didn't wonder long.
"Padfoot?" Harry asked. Sirius nodded. "You're a Marauder?"
Severus suppressed a groan as Sirius answered, "I take it you read Wormtail's book, Pranking with Prongs?"
Harry nodded, "Kira and I virtually memorized it before coming here."
Sirius laughed. "And have you followed in our footsteps? Your father was a marauder after all."
"He was?"
"Yep, James Potter was Prongs."
"Well, if you're Padfoot and my dad was Prongs then who were Moony and Wormtail?"
Sirius' smile got bigger, "Moony was Remus Lupin and Wormtail was Peter Pettigrew."
"Cool..." breathed Harry.
Sirius couldn't help as his smile became a smirk. "Somehow I didn't picture a muggle expression from you."
Harry shrugged. He seemed completely at ease and Severus felt himself become worried again. Harry said, "So you're going to take care of me this summer." He sounded slightly less opposed to it.
"And every summer until you are of age. I hope that after you get to know me, you'll accept me. Your parents were my best friends. I loved them more than my own family. I loved you as a son, I still do. I want us to be friends."
Harry let the words wash over him without effect. He asked, "What time should I be meeting you tomorrow?"
"Be here after Breakfast tomorrow," responded Albus. "The password is Peppermint Imps."
"So I won't even be allowed to see my friends off in the carriages?"
"Albus, he can say goodbye to his friends. We don't have to depart immediately in the morning, the manor won't go anywhere." Sirius told this to Dumbledore with a slight edge to his voice.
"Alright," responded Albus, "After you see your friends off in the carriages you will report here. Now off you go. I believe you have a party to attend in your honor."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Harry," Sirius said this and held out his arms. Harry looked at him with a slight tilt to his head. Sirius laughed depreciatingly and withdrew his arms, "Sorry, I was just kind of hoping for a hug."
Harry shrugged, "See you in the morning." He turned and left the office.
Severus nodded curtly to Albus and then followed his young student. He smirked in pleasure. The pain in Sirius Black's face at Harry's cold shoulder had made him feel much better. He just hoped Harry would continue to see through Sirius. He prayed that Harry would remain the Slytherin Severus had come to care about. He shuddered at the thought of Sirius changing Harry.
Harry walked back to the Slytherin dorms. He was well aware of professor Snape shadowing him back so he kept to the main corridors. Harry reached for Kira's mind. Where are you guys? Common room or clubhouse?
We're in the common room. What did Professor Snape need you for?
Dumbledore found Sirius Black, my godfather and legal guardian.
Did he authorize Veritaserum?
No, he was actually strongly against it.
Good. By the by, Hermione and Neville are both here still. They haven't chickened out. I told them about Brandon and Jack's gang.
Did they understand?
Yes, they believe they are capable of being our friends so long as we don't tell them about any really dark stuff we do.
Harry mentally laughed Well I'm glad we won't loose them as friends. I really hated when Lenora's family moved away after Brandon's death. I understood the reasons, but you know...
I know.
Harry broke off the connection as he arrived at the Slytherin entrance. He said, "Serpentis." He entered the common room. Cheers rang out and Harry smirked. He noticed professor Snape hadn't followed him in. Harry sketched a quick bow to the cheerers and then walked quickly to the corner where the quartet and lions waited.
Hermione smiled at him very tentatively and said, "Congratulations, that was an amazing game."
"Thank you. So I take it you think you can stomach being our friend?" He sat down. Kira hissed a Parsel-spell to mask their speech just in case anyone was trying to listen in.
Neville nodded while Hermione said, "Yes. We thought about what you did and some of the more philosophical discussions we've had over the year. We realized that while you are dark you aren't exactly evil. I mean you killed people who have killed innocents. You have protected Neville and me throughout this year even though I'm muggle-born and Neville's Dad opposed Voldemort. You haven't exactly been evil, you know?"
Kira, Draco, and Blaise all smirked while Harry nodded with a smile. He said, "Yes I understand. I'm glad you remembered what we said about the darker side of magic. We promise not to tell you about the really dark stuff, but we need to know you are not going to ever betray our trust again."
Neville said, "You have my Wizard's oath."
Hermione nodded, "You have my Witch's oath."
Harry and Kira slid into a powerful telepathic rapport. Their combined senses probed Hermione and Neville. Both lions shined with sincerity. There was a purity to their hearts and minds that was like a warm sunny day. The dark heirs felt the Light that did not burn, the Light of purity tempered with understanding and love. Kira's heart leapt for joy as Harry whispered They are still our lions within her mind. They dropped the link since they had their answer and the link was draining over long periods of time.
Harry nodded, "Accepted. Now then let's try to enjoy tonight."
Draco looked at Harry and asked, "Harry, what's wrong?" Blaise noticed something was off as well. Hermione and Neville couldn't see whatever Draco was seeing but when Harry sighed they knew he was right. Something was bothering Harry.
Harry said, "Well my doom has been pronounced."
"Really? You look alive to me," commented Draco.
"Although I do see a grim in you aura," added Blaise.
"Har, har," responded Harry in a sarcastic voice. "No I'm not dieing, but I may as well be. Dumbledork found my legal guardian."
"You don't mean Black do you?" asked Kira. She was only saying it so that Hermione and Neville didn't learn about the telepathy she shared with Harry.
"Yep Sirius Black."
"The auror?" asked Draco.
"Ex-auror," corrected Blaise.
"Yeah him. As you know, he's my godfather and the person James and Lily Potter named as my guardian in their will."
Draco asked, "Did he authorize Veritaserum? I remember that was a major bee in Dumbledork's ass all year."
"No he didn't," replied Harry. "But I will be under his supervision every summer until I'm seventeen, starting this summer."
"What about our summer activities?" asked Draco indignantly.
"And your birthday?" added Blaise.
"And Cornelius?" asked Kira.
Harry sighed heavily, "Well he was once a marauder, so he may be understanding enough to let me have my familiar sent to me. He convinced Dumbledork to let me see you guys off in the morning."
"He may not be as bad as you think," said Hermione. As the quartet glared at her offended she clarified, "Well I mean when I was learning about the wizarding world I came across Harry's name and everything surrounding Voldemort's so called downfall. According to what I read Sirius Black quit his top auror job at the ministry in order to search for Harry. I mean that seems to say he really cares. So he may be a lot less likely to condemn your dark nature."
"Also, don't forget, the Black family has been traditionally dark," added Neville.
"Yeah," commented Draco, "In mother's family, only Andromeda and Sirius ever openly opposed Voldemort. And Great Aunt Black was openly supportive of Uncle Tom."
"So there is a chance I may be able to convert him?"
"Anything is possible," commented Kira. "Especially when a person cares about you, I mean look at the changes in father after meeting mother."
Harry smiled, "Thanks, I think I will be able to handle this summer after all."
"That's the spirit," commented Hermione.
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The quartet and two lions had a quiet breakfast followed by hugs and promises to owl one another. Harry and Kira clung to each other for almost ten minutes before she entered the carriage. No one cried, Slytherins didn't ever cry in public. Blaise, Draco, Hermione, Kira, and Neville waved from the carriage window as it lumbered away from the castle steps. Harry took a deep breath and then turned to head to the headmaster's office.
Harry arrived at the gargoyle and gave the password. The statue leapt aside and Harry walked up the moving stairs. He didn't even get one knock in before Albus called for him to enter. He schooled his face to be devoid of emotion. Harry entered.
Sirius and Albus were standing near the fireplace. There was a cheerful blaze burning in it. Harry knew how they would be traveling. Albus asked, "Where is your trunk, Mr. Potter?"
Harry reached into a pocket and pulled out a small box (trunk) just larger than a box of old fashioned matches. He shrugged, "I had a sixth year shrink it for me." He put it back in his pocket.
Sirius spoke before Albus could annoy Harry more. "We're traveling to the manor via the Floo network. Have you ever used Floo powder before?"
"Yes, its how I usually traveled when Kira and I spent time with Draco's family."
"Wonderful," Sirius said.
"So what's the name I call out?"
"You'll need to call out Black Rose Manor. It used to be a family summer home, but when my mother passed away I took it as my manor and let my brother have Black Manor."
Harry nodded, "Okay, so where's the powder?"
Albus held out a box of the green powder. Harry ignored him by taking a handful of the powder without acknowledging him. He then tossed it into the fire. The fire turned brilliant green. Harry stepped in and called, "Black Rose Manor," in a clear concise voice.
FIN
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AN: Year One is Over... Year two will be on its way, just as soon as I start writing/typing.
Review responses: First I just want to re-thank everyone who reviewed this story.
Thank You !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay individual thanks from chappy 15...
lonelysltherinslowlydying ...... Thank you for reviewing... umm Sirius may go dark... other stuff... yeah thanks.
Kage Mirai Here is the end of first year... I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you very much for staying with me for so long.
James-Padfoot This chapter was slightly shorter, but I really needed to stop at about the halfway point, if nothing else than for my own sanity. Thank you very much for your interest. I really don't get annoyed by questions (they sometimes even help me think) but I can't always promise to give answers. Thank you for your kind words and I understand the whole bursting with questions thing/ lack of discipline.
Romulan Empress This was the last chapter of year one. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for being a rather constant reviewer... it makes me feel special.(smiles) Year two will be forth-coming... just not as soon as this was.
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OKAY THIS IS A SPECIAL TEASER FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE END OF A CHAPTER. (smiles evilly) Warning... there is minor slash (male/male) in this teaser...
Harry stepped out of the fireplace of Midnight Rose Manor. Standing in the foyer of the ancient Black estate was a man about Sirius' age. He had shoulder length wavy brown hair and laughing hazel eyes. He said, "Hello Harry."
Harry smiled, "Hi... You know Sirius is going to be very angry with you when he steps through."
The man smirked, "Not my Padfoot... he doesn't know how to stay angry at me."
"I don't?!" exclaimed Sirius Black as he appeared in the fireplace. Instead of continuing a rant he quickly turned and cast a Floo locking charm on the fireplace. He spun back only to find himself in his lover's arms being kissed silly.
Harry made a sound and walked from the room. "I guess my room has the snitches all around the door. Please remember silencing charms!!"
Sirius came up for air and looked at his beloved, "He's too young to know about the need for silencing charms."
"You were younger than he was when you first understood the need for silencing charms."
"I guess you're right. I missed you."
"You were only gone two days," he laughed at Sirius' pout.
"But I had to put up with Dumbledore and Snape."
"My poor puppy, perhaps a massage would make you feel better," he breathed into Sirius' ear. As he nibbled it slightly he said, "I know it would make me feel better."
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And that's the teaser... things I know you will ponder...
Who is Sirius' lover?
&
Why didn't his presence surprise Harry?
Those questions shall be answered in due time, but because I am evil, due time is a distance off.
As a warning there will be slash in later years of the series (only real minor until probably fifth year). Harry will eventually have a relationship with Draco, the other ships with simply show up as they develop... this is just to warn people who may be averse to slash.
Thank you again for reading and reviewing. I hope to see you in following years.