Chapter 7: Freedom or Imprisonment?

Disclaimer: On-going

Title: Don't Leave Me Like This

Chapter: Freedom or imprisonment?

A/N: I got a review that had good questions. So they are here.

Sirius does not get news in Azkaban he only found out that Peter was Scabbers do to asking for the paper from I think either Fudge or Dumbledore. The rest would just reveal too much.

According to some passages weeks in Azkaban can make someone mad. I'm going with those years plus this month cracked.

Sirius feels betrayed by Harry and Remus. Sirius loves Harry but Sirius is not stable all those years in Azkaban effects a man.

Sirius is a Black. (Like that explains his anger hah)

As far as Draco goes… Draco is still denying everything stubbornness runs in the Black family. That's why Sirius is the way he is too… it really is genetic LOL

Ok. Thanks for the questions I appreciate questions. Also I will put this out there. I am religiously placed in Slytherin and Hufflepuff (lovely right most people get Gryff slyth I get Hufflepuff) my story chapters will have major mood swings depending on that.

Don't forget to review the chapter! Now on with the story.

Severus and Rita had both reached the ministers office presumably just as he apparated from there himself. He was surprised when Severus Snape appeared in his office. He looked around nervously and then offered Severus a seat.

"Thank You" Severus said dryly

"You're Welcome now a… Severus Snape, I believe, is there something I can do for you? It is rather late at night"

"Release Sirius Black from Azkaban." Severus said simply and handed the Minister Harry's diagnosis parchment.

The minister looked over it briefly he tried to hide his surprise. In fact he went as far as to dismiss it back onto his desk. Rita Skeeter was using a recorder to get the entire show of the thing. Of course keeping Snapes name out of it. She knew Snape would be dead if anyone ever was to hear how he assisted Harry Potter. Life Debts were lovely.

"Severus I can not release a prisoner of Azkaban every time some sick Wizard teenager decides he will kill himself. Perhaps you should get Mr. Potter a good therapist. Rather than have me release someone simply because the boy wants to die. I personally think Mr. Potter is a vain child who needs to be taught a lesson. If he dies that has nothing to do with me. I will not be releasing Sirius Black. Harry Potter will die before I do that. Now I am sorry but I really can not let the man go. He broke the law. If he hadn't this would not have happened. Severus I suggest you force the boy to eat and forget about the whole thing, there is only a few more days" The minister said pouring himself and Severus a cup of tea.

"You're a fool." Severus said and shook his head. "If you do not release Sirius, Mr. Potter will be dead in two days time. I am certain you of all people know just how important he is to this world. You're just going to let him waste away. The Dark Lord is rising again and here you are allowing the one person that could save us all, die? You are a fool just like that headmaster." Severus said bitterly.

"You don't mean that. Surely the life of the Wizard world does not lie on the shoulders of a dying teenager in St. Mungos hospital. Now you force the child to eat or he will die understand." With that the minister got up trying to send the message for Severus to leave.

Severus nodded and got up to leave. He knew Skeeter had gotten more than enough information to run several articles. In fact by tomorrow afternoon Rufus would be out of the ministry. "Well sir I will be leaving, good luck on keeping your job" Severus apparated out and to St. Mungos.

Rita Skeeter quickly transformed back to her witch self. And fixed her hair cleverly before holding her wand to her head and quick quilling what she had just saw. She knew she had to get this to the paper as soon as she left the hospital. Severus woke the sleeping human-wolf up who was petting Dragon in his sleep. Severus was rather amused by this. The snake was showing signs of coming around to others besides Harry.

"Remus we have a visitor" Severus spoke cooly

"What, who?"

"Remus Lupin the second godfather to Harry potter though not legal because you are a werewolf. It's lovely seeing you again" Skeeter held her hand out but Remus simply nodded to her. "Oh I'm sorry you're probably tired from the moon. I came to take new photos of Harry." She said softly.

Remus nodded. Then stood up and placed the snake on Harry again. The snake curled around Harry as if acting as a blanket to the teenager. Remus then gave Harry and the snake a soft kiss.

"I'm sorry I have to be going" Remus said apologizing. He had not expected to sleep as long as he had.

Rita and Severus nodded to Remus as he left.

Rita tried to smile as she took photos of Harry and his snake but her face refused to obey her command. She knew the boys past. She knew the prophecy. She knew the now.

"Interesting snake.. Dragon it was right Severus?"

"Yes… charming isn't he"

"Where might someone acquire such a moody snake?" Rita questioned. None of this was going in her report. She was just curious as to the snake's actions.

"Knockturn ally of course. He is just as intelligent as his father and stubborn as his mother. Makes a fine snake though. Loyal to Harry."

"What species. Perhaps I should get one." Rita said and smirked. She had finally one upped Severus Snape who stood there stumped.

"Well it didn't say but I was sure about the purchase when I met Dragon"

"Oh but you knew his father and mother"

"Rita there are certain things you cannot find out" Severus warned the woman who snapped two last photos.

"That's fine. You have your secrets however I will discover them and expose them." Rita tossed her hair back spectacularly. "It's what I do. Now I have to go write a quick article. Severus this one will work I promise." Rita said before apparating out.

Severus lounged in a chair. He wished he could go see Lucius it had been far too long. He was sure Lucius had felt the same. Severus was called to The Dark Lord the other night that proved to be meaningless. He just wanted some information on Dumbledore. Since Harry was safe at St. Mungos. Severus was left untouched. For once The Dark Lord had not attacked him. Severus was tired of the cat mouse game the Dark Lord had going on. He was having his Death Eaters turn on each other. He was almost positive that's why he had been called in because someone had reported Severus on being a spy. It happened frequently and it was true.

Severus was brought from his thought when a knock came at the door he walked over to it and opened. Nymphadora Tonks stood there with a letter embellishing the Malfoy Crest on it. She handed it to Severus, her mouth was open wide. Severus knew now, that Nymphadora knew Draco was a Veela. She now knew who his mate was.

"It. is it true?" Nymphadora asked turning around her hair was a morbid looking grayish purple.

"Yes Tonks it is true. Your cousin has Harry Potter to shag for the rest of his life." Tonks blushed at Severus' comment. If she were just five years younger, she herself would hit on Harry as it was. But at least someone in the family would have him.

"So Harry and Draco…"

"Are eventually going to Mate if everything works out. I am surprised you're aunt even admitted to being related to you let alone asking you, your mother, and Sirius for help… I do wonder if your Aunt Bellatrix got a letter. No she said only the three Blacks not on the family tree how charming." Severus was being down right rude to the former Hufflepuff. Tonks had taken notice of his sarcasm storing a few nasty things to say at a later date.

She then smiled and sat down in the chair where Severus had once been sitting. The snake did not seem to take much notice to her. Nymphadora would now stay here to protect her cousins soon to be mate… all in the name of Black which she was not part of. Severus sat on the chair beside her.

"You know I am capable of protecting and watching." Severus muttered sitting he was letting his exhaustion catch up to him.

"I'm a former Aurora. Who better to watch him than soon to be family and an Aurora."

"Former Aurora… your client died because your inability to protect them. Nymphadora… you are not a Black" Severus said and got up. "However feel free to watch him I need sleep. If he dies before I return, I'm sorry"

"Wait…is he that bad?"

"I give Mr. Potter two days," Severus said before leaving the room.

Tonks sat on the chair much like Remus had earlier her hand holding her head. She always dreamed as a little girl to be part of the Black family. Her mother told her all the stories of the things her and her sisters had done. Nymphadora met Narcissa once… when she was a little girl. She had a picture of she and Narcissa together. Somehow. Nymphadora loved her parents but it made for a lonely childhood. Only child no relatives it was awful. Her mother would tell her stores of balls and tea and her sisters. By the age 11 Nymphadora hated it all but dealt and was well adjusted, but just needing friends. That was probably why she ended up in Hufflepuff. Her father was happy. Her mother outraged.

Her mother was Slytherin.

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The next morning the Minster of Magic was settling down for some tea when he picked up his copy of the Daily Prophet.

MINISTER OF MAGIC. SUPPORTING THE DARK LORD?

The minister almost died when he read the title on the front page. Then He saw the pictures of Harry Potter the boy did look quite dead. Perhaps he should have listened to Severus yesterday. The Minister began reading

On a late night undercover interview The new Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeourwas quoted calling Harry Potter the boy who has saved the Wizard world from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as a sick wizard who wants to kill himself. Referring to Harrys recent quest to free his God Father Sirius Black who was cleared of killing 13 Muggles and James and Lily Potter on that night so long ago. Harry Potter pictured last year on the top right. Now looks like the bottom left picture where he is not eating until his Godfather is freed. What is Sirius Black guilty of? Escaping Azkaban to save his godson and out the real murderer. For doing these favors for the Wizard World Sirius has spent 25 days locked in Azkaban. When the Minister was informed Harry Potter would not be able to make it an additional two days and would die the Minister replied, "I personally think Mr. Potter is a vain child who needs to be taught a lesson. If he dies that has nothing to do with me. I will not be releasing Sirius Black, Harry Potter will die before I do that." The minister continued to argue for several minutes insisting to force feed the boy. Who is now in a coma due to lack of action on the Ministries part. The Minister also said that Harry Potter was dead and the wizard world did not need him.

This is a shame Harry Potter lay dying at St. Mungos and the Minister drinks his tea eats his cookies in peace not even considering to save our savior by releasing all Harry knows of his past his Godfather. Sirius Black still Prisoner of Azkaban. Though he has been cleared of charges originally incriminating him.

-Rita Skeeter The Daily Prophet.

After the minister finished reading the front cover, he knew he was done. He wrote two parchments one to Rita Skeeter for being such a clever witch in eavesdropping and wished to know how she had done it. He then sent a message to Severus informing him that the end of the day and to have would release Sirius Black plans to pick him up. It may have been too late, but perhaps he could salvage himself just a little.

MW MW MW MW

Molly was shocked to see Harry once again in THE DAILY PROPHET. She was even more shocked to see the photos of Harry and the report. She was stunned. She had accepted Harry as one of her sons and worried of him constantly. She was told not to go to St. Mungos though.

She assumed Tonks would keep her informed. Tonks had not. Molly Weasley did the first thing she could think of. She sent three howlers. One to Albus, One to the minister and one to Tonks. She then went up to Ginny and Hermiones room and woke the girls saying they were going to St. Mungos at once. Then she went to Ron and woke him as well.

Within 15 minutes the Weasley's plus Hermione were through the floo and at St. Mungos. Molly immediately asked for Tonks. The nurse hesitantly lead Molly to the room warning her that the woman had just received a Howler and was quite upset. Molly ignored the woman and they all went to Harrys room Molly entered and Nymphadora was sitting in the chair legs turned up crying her eyes out.

Molly only looked at her for a second before going to Harry's side. The boy did look dead. She quickly ran a diagnostic and frowned she came up with the same as the article.

"Mum is Harry ok?" Ginny said softly catching a peek at Harry though Hermione and Ron who were both trying to block her view.

"Ginny dear.. Harry is not ok. This is exactly why I hate that ministry! If your father didn't work for them I would oust the lot of them and run things my way. This boy has suffered enough and …" Molly went off into a rant for quite sometime.

Ginny sat beside Tonks and smiled at her comfortingly. Hermione and Ron took their proper places beside Harry.

Tonks blew her nose and got up wiping her eyes. She looked at Hermione and Ron who stood beside Harrys bed just expecting him to wake up and Molly who stood there holding his hand and Ginny who's eyes were large and round and giving her away. Tonks had failed all of them. This was why she lost her job.

"I'm so sorry" She whispered softly "Harry didn't want any of you here… he he left orders. Remus is in hiding. Just imagine if Harry doesn't make it what he will do to every person in charge of putting Sirius away. Out of revenge." Tonks said softly and frowned. Her hair was now all gray with very little color in it at all. Her eyes were also a light gray and her features seemed so weathered and saddened. "I failed" she whispered softly and left the room. She was going home to her mother.

Ginny got up. She loved her family and she cared about Harry but this was too much for her. She loved Harry Potter had obsessed about him for years. Now it was all to much. Afer all they had been through it was coming to this. She cared about him but she would always be Ginny Weasley his little sister. She was a complete mess and nearly in tears.

How was the world supposed to go on if Harry Potter died? Ginny left the room and down to the waiting area she went. She decided to write to Elivian because she felt so sad and desperate she needed to vent. Elivian would listen. She had learned that the young Squib was a beyond amazing listener. Ginny really hoped she could come and visit sooner than the next holiday.

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Severus has spent the evening at Grimmauld and was quite pleased when he saw the prophets smear campaign on the minister. The minister didn't realize he would have to answer to his people. Severus also was not surprised to receive a letter from the Minister asking him to come and retrieve Sirius Black from the ministry for they would be releasing him to Severus custody. "Oh how the wheels turned" he thought smugly.

Severus poured some tea and read the rest of his paper in peace. Nothing new was really happening in fact the news was strangely quiet. Then again when your headline is about the Minister betraying the boy who lived, what can you report on other than weather and misfires of magic. The truth was tomorrows headline the ousting of the Minister from office and some new political extreme would be it. Severus had a lot to do before he went to retrieve Severus.

Most of everything was placing Harry on a light nutrients potion before he went to the ministry. This could prove to be a task since Dragon may not allow it. The intelligent serpent allowed the Magic and the Hydration Nutrients even though there was actually against Harry's wishes. Hopefully Dragon would let him. He also heard Molly rounding her children up so he would have to face the Weasley trash so early in the morning. He was not looking forward to it.

Severus finished his tea grabbing his cloak and headed to the hospital. The young Ginny Weasley was in the waiting room, face red with tears, and writing furiously on a piece of parchment. Severus had heard that the youngest Weasley had started a friendship amongst Elivian Zabini, a squib, and a family secret. The fact that Rose had allowed the Weasley's to meet her daughter and introduce them was a surprise. Severus was going to have to get use to so many surprises due to their frequent occurrence as of late.

Severus entered the room where Hermione and Ron were at Harry's bedside. Molly was crying and muttering on and on about something. Severus couldn't help but to feel disgusted. Gryffindor's the lot of them.

"I see the Golden Trio stands by even in death," Severus snapped at Ron and Hermione. He pushed Hermione out of the way and summoned a bag of nutrients onto Harry's drip. Dragon lifted his head and lunged full force toward Severus and bit his neck and started wrapping around him. The snake was trying to kill Severus. Severus planned on this though and quickly surrendered parchment from the Minister for Dragon to see. Dragon must have read it or seen the seal he let go of Severus automatically.

"It seems that snake is more intelligent than the rest of us," Molly Weasley said not appreciating how Severus treated her children.

"Sirius is getting out today," Severus said as he took care of the snakebite. He glared fire at the snake the entire time that seemed to take to hiding on the opposite side of the bed to Harry away from Severus completely.

"They are letting him out!" Molly boomed and didn't realize she had wrapped her arms around Severus and started hugging him. "Oh the heavens have answered my prayers Harry will live this is the best news the Wizard World has received in…. gosh I don't know how long!"

Severus got the woman away from him and patted his cloak as if trying to get the Weasley filth off of him. "Yes well I have to go fill out paper work. I thought I would tell you so you could pass the word around. Also I need you to get this potion to Remus before tonight. And please pass word on to Tonks she will be happy to hear her cousin will be released." Severus said handing the potion to Molly and not waiting for response simply left St. Mungos for the Ministry.

Severus spends the next three hours in the ministry doing paper worked to get Sirius Black out of Azkaban. He didn't even like Sirius Black the man angered him to no end. He and James Potter were both fools that Severus never wanted to see again. James Potter, Severus saw in Harry and Sirius.

Sirius, well Severus got to see him almost daily when he wasn't in prison. When Severus finally signed away the sheet Sirius Black was transferred right in front of Severus.

Severus lifted an eyebrow. Sirius Black looked as if he had just lost his mind. His hair was in shambled beard and everything. His face was contorted and angry looking. Sirius eyed Severus.

"Snivellus I didn't think you cared" Sirius spat.

"I don't, you're god son does. Severus said handing Sirius a paper from today and grabbing onto Sirius and sending them both to St. Mungos. Severus kept a hold him in St. Mungo's. Dragging him most unwillingly to Harry's room. When he got there the Weasleys were gone. Harry was alone in his death hardly breathing.

Severus shoved Sirius in. "This is how much your Godson loves you. He is two days away from death his own death for you. Now its your turn to help him. You've got to help him live. Or so help me Sirius Black, I will kill you"

"What took Harry so long to help me?" Sirius spat with an angry face. Sirius really didn't know how to feel. Yes he saw his godson near death here. But still it should not have taken this long to get him from Azkaban. Shouldn't have taken this long at all.

A/N end: I was originally going to break this into two chapters… but decided to save you the suspense plus you have all been so patience with Harry not being very active in the story. So I kept this as one long chapter. I actually know what will happen next too. So Review.

Next Chapter/ Harry is back / Draco reveled / a Black Black sheep noon tea/ Zabini take 2… and more

Thank you

DBZfanalways Thanks for reading… and don't think anything about any characters a lot of them are in the gray area including Dumbles the Bumbles. Someone is destined to die in this story though… I just don't know whom. And that's a shame. (I have ideas)

shadowama thank you for the questions hope I answered them ok. Thank you for continuing to read and review as well hopes this chapter you enjoyed.

DestinyEntwinements I'm hoping you like the story o.0… I hope that means your enjoying it!

Hope this chapter doesn't let you down happy to receive reviews.

Caldonya: Glad your liking the Sirius twist I'm bringing to the table. Don't get too attached to this Sirius though. (Oh hints but what kind!)