Note: Memories will be seen in italic.
Chapter Four
Memories
Remus Lupin arrived home to find a large black dog sleeping on his couch. "Sirius, get those muddy paws of yours off my couch!" Remus yelled.
The black dog changed back into the human form of Sirius Black and said, "My paws are not muddy."
"Yeah, right," Remus grumbled as he pointedly looked at the large muddy spots on his couch.
Sirius just ignored his friend and said, "What did the Goblins say? Did you get my wand?"
"Yes, it wasn't easy but they got it for me. Your vaults are being watched by the Ministry. Oh, I found out that Harry is no longer living with the Dursley's. He is living your cousin Andi. It seems there was some trouble going on with the Dursley family and he has been removed from their care. The Goblins informed me that your will was opened to see who you named as Harry's caretaker," Remus said sitting down in his father's favorite old chair. The home he was sharing with Sirius used to belong to his family. The furniture hasn't changed since he was a child. It was beaten up and ripped, but Remus didn't care really because it was home. It was where he blocked out the rest of the world escape the prejudice that existed in it.
"I wonder what is going on. Maybe, you could visit Andi for me tomorrow and have a chat with her," Sirius said.
"And say what?" Remus asked.
"I'll tell you that later. Right now, did you bring my pensive?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, and this better be good. I still can't believe what you said about Albus Dumbledore," Remus growled.
"I promise you will after you view these memories. Now, where is my pensive?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, yes, here it is," Remus replied and placed the bowl on the coffee table. The pensive was made of black marble with ravens carved all over it. The pensive had belonged to the Black family for ages and now it belonged to Sirius. Remus had picked it up from the Black family vaults that afternoon with a special note the Goblins would allow him to access the vault with.
Sirius has been trying to convince Remus that Albus isn't the Leader of the Light as everyone believes he is. He is dark and out for himself. In order to prove this to his old friend, Sirius is going to show Remus several of his memories.
"Okay, the first memory I'm going to show you is a conversation between me and my baby brother Regulus. I didn't believe what he was telling me then, but later on I started to realize that what he was telling me was partially the truth. I'm showing you this one first because this is when I started doubting things and started to look at things more carefully."
"Fine, I promised you that I would listen with an open mind and that is what I'm going to do. I just want you to promise to let me decide for myself," Remus said.
"I promise," Sirius said as he placed his wand tip at his temple and pulled out the first memory. He placed it in the bowl. He let Remus go first then he went after. The pair just watched as Sirius' memory played out.
First memory….
Sirius and James were walking down a dark street together. It was raining and the men had the hoods of their robes up. They both had their wands clasped tightly in their hands. Neither one said word to the other as they rushed through the rain. They finally found shelter under a closed up shops' overhang. James pulled down his hood and said, "Sirius, this is madness. We could be walking into a trap."
"No, I could be walking into a trap. That is why you are here," Sirius said smiling as he pulled down his hood.
James growled. "This is stupid. Why are you going to see you baby brother. I thought you hated him," James snapped.
"I don't hate him. I hate what he is doing, but I can't hate him. He is my brother after all. James, I know you don't understand because you don't have any siblings but this is important to me. Can't you just watch my back and make sure nothing bad happens to me without questioning me?" Sirius asked pleading with his friend.
"Okay, I'll do this but remember if your brother tries anything to hurt you, I'm not going to stand by and let it happen. I will do what I have to do to protect you. Even if it comes down to killing your brother," James said.
"I know, that is why you are here. You will always protect my back," Sirius said.
James grunted, pulled up his hood and then pulled out another cloak. This one shimmered as it unfolded. James threw it over his body and he disappeared from view. Sirius left the shelter of the store front and started down the street. He didn't hear James behind him but he knew he was there. The men walked to another store a few blocks away. This time Sirius pushed on the door and entered the darken store. He felt James brush past him as he closed the door.
Once the door was closed, Sirius turned around and called out. "Reg?"
"Shut it, big mouth. I'm here," Reg hissed as he walked out of the darkness. "I'm shocked you came alone. Aren't you worried that this is a trap?"
"Is it?" Sirius asked.
"No, but you're being foolish coming here alone," Reg said.
"You're being foolish for wanting to see me. So, we are both fools," Sirius said.
Reg laughed a deep barking laughter much like his brother and walked over and gave him a hug. "I missed you big brother. How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you?" Sirius asked eyeing his brother carefully.
"Okay, I guess," Reg said sadly the smile on his face vanishing.
Sirius looked at his brother and asked, "What is wrong? Why are you risking your life to see me?"
"If you want to know, I found out that we are all fools. We are fighting war that is more personal battle for two men," Reg growled.
"What? I'm confused? What are you talking about?" Sirius asked.
Reg sighed and pointed to a table nearby. "Sit down and I'll tell you," Reg said. The two brothers walked to the table and sat down. Reg poured them both a drink and handed a glass to Sirius. "Here, it is a cold rain and you are wet. This will warn you up."
Sirius looked at the drink and pushed it away. He pulled out a flask from his coat pocket and took a drink. "Mad Eye would kill me," Sirius said grinning.
"Yes, he would, wouldn't he. Okay, you don't have to share a drink with me. I understand why. As for what I was talking about, the war we are in is a battle between Dark Lord and Dumbledore. I found out that my Dark Lord used to be Dumbledore apprentice until they had a falling out. He didn't give him something or used him for something. I don't exactly know what he did. I do know whatever it was angered the Dark Lord. He promised that he would fight Dumbledore until the end. He also promised he would destroy the other heirs. He would be the last one standing. He would be the one to control everything."
"How did you know this?" Sirius asked.
"I over heard him talking to members of the inner circle. It was before the attack on the Longbottoms. You do know who Frank was related to don't you?"
"Yes, I know," Sirius said coldly. Frank was Hufflepuff's heir. He was the last in her blood line. Now, that belongs to his young son. He was the only one that survived the attack. Frank and Alice were driven into madness.
"Good, so you realize that there is only one left. The Dark Lord is going to go after the Potters. James is the heir of Gryffindor. He is only one standing in the way of controlling it all.
"All of what?" Sirius asked.
"Hogwarts I think, but then again I could be wrong. I do know he wants to kill James. I know James went into hiding and everyone thinks you're their secret keeper. If you are, brother then get out of town. You won't be able to stop him. He is going to find out a way to get to the Potters."
"You said James? Are you sure James is his only target?" Sirius asked. He knew it was risky asking it but he was wondering why his brother was so sure that James was the target not Harry. When the Order was told that it was possible that either Harry or Neville were the chosen ones to destroy Voldemort."
Reg laughed. "Yes, I am sure. And if you are talking about that prophecy, I know about it, everyone does. You really need to start looking at people arms. That ding bat that Dumbledore hired is a member of our little group. The prophecy is a fake. It was test for Severus Snape. I don't think the Dark Lord trusts him," Reg said.
"Why are you telling me this?" Sirius asked.
"Because I have had it, I'm leaving. I'm going into hiding. I can't do this any more. I don't want to do it. I figured you should know the truth before you get in over your head. You're my brother and in spite everything I care about you. I don't want you dead because Dark Lord wants your friend Potter," Reg said.
"What?" James said pulling down his hood.
Reg laughed and said, "I figured you wouldn't come alone. I didn't either. My help is very loyal to me. Kreacher!"
A house elf appeared beside Reg and bowed. "Yes, Master?"
"Good bye, Sirius, look after yourself," Reg said as he looked down at the elf and nodded his head. The two of them then vanished.
Sirius and James looked at each other. "What is going on?" James asked.
"I don't know. I really don't know," Sirius said.
The memory ended. Remus and Sirius appeared back in the Remus living room. "My brother's body was found the next day. He was murdered. I don't know who did it but I guess he never made it out of town."
"I'm sorry," Remus said seeing pain in Sirius eyes.
"Don't be, I'm big boy. I know my brother wasn't perfect. He made his choices and he died because of them. The reason I showed you it to you is because it is what caused James and I to switch secret keepers. I was going to be the target, but we felt if someone else was picked they would leave them alone. I would be the target. I did it because James was my best friend and I felt I owed it to him. I screwed up. I'm the one that said no one would realize Peter was the secret keeper."
Remus walked to Sirius and said, "It isn't your fault. We both should have realized that there was more to Peter then he was showing us."
Sirius looked at his friend nodded. "Okay, let's get this on the road. I have a few more memories to show you."
"Now what?" Remus asked.
"Prison and talking to Bella!" Sirius said smiling.
"Before dinner? Okay, but this better be good," Remus said with a sick look on his face. It wasn't Azkaban that was the problem. It was Sirius's cousin Bella was the problem. The lady was nuts.
Memory two…
Sirius was laying on a ragged mat watching a rat play with moldy crumb of bread that he had thrown to it. He was tempted to turn into Padfoot and have the rat for lunch. When the door opened, and his cousin Bella was thrown into the cell. "You wanted to talk to him. So, talk," the guard growled.
"Alone, I paid you enough money to make sure of it," Bella snapped.
"Fine, but no tricks either of you," the guard snapped and he slammed the door behind him.
"What do you want?" Sirius demanded of his cousin.
"I'm here to help you escape this place," Bella said smiling as she slides over to where Sirius sat and dropped down next to him.
Sirius shoved her away and said, "Get back, first we are related and secondly. I would rather hump a dog than you!"
Bella laughed. "Oh, Sirius, you are funny. I just don't want them to hear us talking," Bella replied and she moved closer.
Sirius had let her. "What do you want?" he asked.
"I told you. I can help you get out of here but I want do something for me," Bella hissed.
"And that is?" Sirius asked.
"Rewrite your will; I want you to name Draco as your heir. I want him to be the next Lord Black. We both know you are not the fatherly type," Bella said.
"You're not the motherly type," Sirius snapped back.
"Are you sure, dear cousin? I might not have given my husband a child but my lover that is another story," Bella looked back at the door to make sure the guard wasn't listening in before turning to Sirius and started to talk again. "I'm going to tell you something that only few know. Before I do, I want you to swear to me as Lord Black, that you will do everything in your power to protect my child."
Sirius looked at her. "What are you talking about?" Sirius asked.
"I hear you at night dear cousin. I know of your dog form. I know you can get out of here. You need help though and I'll give it. I know how to get the human guards to do what I want them to do. I just want your word as Lord Black that you'll protect my son for me" Bella bargained.
"Who?"
"Draco," Bella said.
Sirius looked at her as if she was nuts and said, "What? How?"
"I'll explain but first your word. You know what I'm asking. I am here for my Lord's help. I want Lord Black to swear an oath of protection to Draco."
Sirius looked around him and nodded. He had no other choice. If there was out away out of here, he was going to take it. Besides, he couldn't do anything to protect Harry just rotting here. Sirius held up his hand showing off the Lordship ring. The ring could only be removed at his death. The Ministry couldn't take it from him. Bella took hold of his hand as he said, "I, Lord Black swear to give my protection to Draco Malfoy."
Bella smiled. "Good, now to why I asked of it. You see, Draco is my son. Narcissia and Lucius were chosen to protect him. He was named their son in blood adoption. As for his birth parents, I am his mother and my Dark Lord is his father."
Sirius jumped away from her at this and growled. "You …itch! You tricked me."
Bella laughed. "I did but then you wouldn't protect him if you knew the truth. No, not even to get out of here. It is why I didn't tell you until after I had your word. You must do it now. You must protect Draco. I want you to name him your heir. This way he can have the protection of the Black family," Bella said.
"It hasn't done me any good. I'm here remember," Sirius snapped.
"Yes, but there are things that I know that no else does. Now, listen to me. Draco is not the only one in danger. Your god son is as well. I know how to protect them both but I need your help to do it. Are you willing to do this for Harry?" Bella asked smiling a sick maddening smile.
Sirius thought about it for a moment then nodded. "What do you want?"
"Easy, I know who put you here. I know why they won't let you out because they are worried you would remember things that you shouldn't. I can help you gain power over them. It is my vault at Gringotts. You go there and remove it. This will help you gain power over your enemies. The only thing I ask in return is for protect Draco as you would protect Harry."
"What things?"Sirius asked.
"You will find out there. Here is my key," Bella said pulling a key from inside her ripped prison uniform.
"Do I want to know how you got this in here?" Sirius asked her.
"No," Bella smiled.
"I didn't think so," Sirius said.
Bella heard the guard coming. She leaned close to her cousin and said, "When the moon vanishes, you will as well." "Good bye, dear cousin," Bella said out loud as she stood up and walked away.
Remus and Sirius appeared living room again. Remus started to walk away. "Where are you going?"
"Take a bath, I feel dirty," Remus said calmly as he walked.
Sirius couldn't laugh at his friend. He couldn't blame him. He felt the same way after Bella left that day. The woman made his skin crawl. The night he left Azkaban the long swim in the lake helped him wash off the dirty feeling. She had left on him.
Later on, Sirius had just finished cooking supper. When Remus walked into the room, his hair wet from his long shower. "You do know I'm not going to get the image of your cousin and you-know-who out of my mind any time soon," Remus muttered as he sat down.
"I have the same problem. By the way, did you pick up that box I asked you to get?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, is that what Bella was talking about in your memory?" Remus asked.
"Yes. Before you ask, I don't know what was in it. I haven't looked yet. I removed it and placed it in my vault for safe keeping. It is what you picked up this afternoon. We will both see it together but first food…," Sirius said as he placed the food on the table.
"Smells good, what is it?" Remus asked.
"Beef stew. Lily taught me how to make it," Sirius said.
"She loved to cook. Do you know that Harry can cook," Remus said as he sat down and dished out a large bowl of stew.
"He can? How did you know that?" Sirius asked as he sat down himself.
"He told me. I managed to get Harry to talk about his family life over term. He didn't say much but the little he did, has me thinking that he is better off with Andi. Petunia really wasn't the best care taker for him," Remus said.
"You tell Albus this?" Sirius asked.
Remus reached over took some bread from the table as he said, "Yes, I did and maybe that is why I'm watching your memories."
"So, you at least think he doesn't have Harry's best interest at heart," Sirius said.
"No," Remus admitted.
"Well, at least I'm not barking up a dead tree," Sirius joked.
"Bad, pun Padfoot," Remus growled.
"Hey, I'm rusty. It will take me a bit to get back into the grove of things, but I'll get there," Sirius said.
Remus shook his head at this. He didn't comment, though. He just sat there quietly eating his supper and thinking about everything that Sirius had showed him. It was thinking about Bella's admission that Draco was her son bothered him. "Sirius, Draco looks exactly like Lucius. How can he not be his son?" Remus asked finally.
"Blood adoption," Sirius said as he put down his fork to explain. "If they did a blood adoption on him, then Draco would look exactly like his adopted parents not his birth parents. This is until the boy decides to choose who he wants to take after. He could then take qualities of both sets of parents."
"Why does that bother me?" Remus muttered.
"It bothers me as well but there is nothing I can do about it. I swore that I would protect the brat. I have no choice," Sirius growled.
"Why did you agree anyways?" Remus asked.
"I wanted out of prison and Bella had the power to help get me out. She runs the prisoners there. She also has most of the guards willing to do anything for her. The demeanors even listen to her," Sirius said.
"Then why does she stay? Why not escape?" Remus asked.
"I don't know. Maybe, she likes it there. I just know that if I wanted out I had to do what she asked of me. Besides, giving the brat of title of Lord Black is no really big deal. I wouldn't give it to Harry. It would mark up his family name. Draco can have it," Sirius said looking at the ring with pure hate in his eyes. He hated the title. He would give it up now but the money came in handy. It helped him stay head of the Ministry. He figured once he cleared his name. He would spend his life spending all the money the Black's had. So, when Draco did inherit the title. There would be nothing left.