So, I finally cured my writer's block. This was the hardest chapter to write I mean I had so many ideas, but they were terribly disjointed. So yeah! Umm, I hope you like the newest chapter and it picks up where it left off at chapter eight.
Also thank you to all reviewers, alerters, favorites, and lurkers. XD This story however is dedicated to Krystal Eve, she let me bounce all my crazy ideas off of her and she even taught me a thing or two about the Potter Universe.
I own nothing besides my ideas. Anyone want one? They're going for five dollars!
BAD GRAMMAR, POSSIBLY READABLE. READ AT YOUR OWN CAUTION UNTIL I GET A NEW BETA OR I FIND MY OLD ONE!
Spider
Chapter Ten
Letters
For a long time Harry hadn't said a thing, even when Beyond's grip tightened on him, beckoning him to relax and tell him of his worries. Harry could not say what was explicitly bothering him. He was refusing to let Beyond know. All he wanted right now was to enjoy the comfort the other boy undoubtedly provided. Harry needed it, craved it. For once he wanted to pretend that the world wasn't trying its hardest to tear them apart.
"Harry, are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Beyond inquired, annoyed by the silence.
"I rather not." Harry replied succinctly. He wanted it to stay quiet; it looked like it wasn't happening.
Beyond arched an eyebrow; Harry had never denied him before. Just what was swirling around in his pet's head? What was it that he wasn't sharing with him? Did that Dumbledore man do or say something to upset his Harry? Those questions continued to pester him. He wanted those answers and he would find out.
"Why do you not say, pet? You can tell me anything, to have you keep something from me hurts."
Harry kept his eyes glued to the floor he wouldn't look up. If he were to look up he would crumble. Everything would tumble out and Beyond would be angry. The peace they had would be broken. "I'm sorry to hurt you Beyond, it's my secret that I will keep." Harry said softly with a determined edge.
'You couldn't be serious,' Beyond thought. After all Harry had never kept something from him before. Why would this situation be any different? "Why do you want to keep this secret? Is it so important to you that you would hide it from me?"
"This is my secret Beyond. I want to keep it."
Beyond shook his head, he couldn't believe the words he was hearing. Those blasphemous words that stung at his heart with such pain. He wondered where had it come from? The feelings he felt were foreign.
"Take it back and tell me!" Beyond demanded. Harry shook his head, his lips pressed together. Beyond growled as he spun Harry around to face him. Garnet turned into a fiery red, but Harry kept his eyes to the ground. Beyond's hand shot up grabbing Harry by the chin forcing the noirette to look at him. Had it been anyone else they would've shuddered immediately looking away, but Harry wasn't anyone else. He wouldn't pull away. He would stand his ground.
"Please," Beyond pleaded.
Harry felt his breath hitch. To keep this information, did it hurt Beyond that much? Harry couldn't remember the last time Beyond had said 'please' to him.
"Don't hide from me, pet. Not now or ever."
Harry closed his eyes at Beyond's words. He re-opened them with a frown. He didn't want to have to do this, but he had to push Beyond away temporarily, "I shouldn't have to tell you everything. I am my own person capable of making my own decisions and keeping my own secrets. You can't make me tell you anything."
Harry swallowed painfully, "I want to be alone right now. I'm sorry I called you." It took everything in Harry not to breakdown and cry out. He didn't want to be alone and those words that he said burned at his tongue like acid. Beyond's grip tightened significantly.
"I'll see you at lunch." Harry excused himself.
"You will not leave me!" Beyond shouted. He wasn't done talking to Harry. He needed to know what and why his Harry was hiding from him.
Harry tore his body away from Beyond. He started to walk away. He ignored the urge to spin on his heel and run back into Beyond's arms, begging for forgiveness. He didn't mean anything he had said. He just wanted to protect Beyond from the truth. Dumbledore had promised that Sirius Black would stay in prison so there was no reason why Beyond should get worked up.
Beyond stood frozen in place. What had just happened? Where was Harry? Why was he standing here like an idiot? Harry had left him all alone. Why?
Something in Beyond broke.
Three days had past since Harry had walked away from Beyond. Throughout out that time Beyond had become more protective over Harry. Not that Harry minded in the slightest, he felt insanely good with all the attention Beyond lavished him and only him with.
Right now Harry and Beyond were walking to breakfast together. Beyond had Harry's hand clasped tightly into his own even as they entered the Great Hall. He did not care that Dumbledore's eyes were on him nor did he care about the extra attention he receiving from the people around him. Beyond pulled them into their usual seats at Slytherin table. Blaise and Daphne gave them tired smiles in greeting, which Harry returned while Beyond nodded in silent acknowledgement.
Harry made small talk with Daphne while he piled eggs, bacons, and flapjacks onto his plate. He drizzled a huge amount of syrup over his food seconds from taking a bite when hundreds of owls swooped into the Great Hall dropping letters and packages where various students sat. Some owls including Harry's Hedwig and Beyond's Alexander landed next to their masters choosing to pick off their plates with pleased hoots.
Harry petted Hedwig, cooing softly at the owl as he shifted through the things he had gotten today. He ignored the usual spam (yes, not even the Wizarding world is immune to mail spam.) coming across Whammy's weekly letter and the Daily Prophet. He didn't expect anything else, however, a small letter with elegant writing was added to his usual bundle of things.
"What's this?" Harry questioned quietly. He laid everything else onto the table besides the envelope. He turned it around several times in his hands, trying to find something that identified the sender of the letter. The only thing he found was the return address was the duplicate of the one he had gotten from Whammy's.
"Beyond, did you get Whammy's letter?"
Beyond nodded an affirmative. He picked up his letter to show to Harry. Harry nodded, biting his lip. He glanced down to the crisp white envelope in his hand. He had thought so. After all this was specifically addressed to him. Perhaps, the letter was clinched tightly in his fingers; this letter was from Sirius Black. Harry bit his lip harder drawing blood. Were these the adoption papers to take him back? Dumbledore had told him that Sirius would stay in prison, but he had lied.
Sirius had been released. It had made the Daily Prophet's Headlines. It took everything in Harry not have another episode like he had done earlier in the year. Sirius was coming back for him! There was nothing that could stop him.
"Harry?" The sudden mention of his name cut his musings short.
"Huh." Harry smartly answered.
"You're lip is bleeding and you've got that a thousand yard stare thing going on. Is everything alright?" Daphne asked worriedly.
"Mhm." Harry responded. He felt Beyond's eyes on him. He turned to the other boy with a reassuring smile. Harry took his hand under the table, giving it a tight squeeze. Wordlessly he handed Beyond the envelope.
"What's this?" Beyond stared at it in confusion.
Harry shrugged. He really had no clue. "Read it."
Beyond used a butter knife to open the seal on the back. Harry held his breath as Beyond slid a piece of folded parchment out of the envelope. Quickly opening it, he read through it. His facial expression remained stoic. He finally set it down on table. Although outwardly Beyond wasn't changing Harry knew that the other boy was thinking and it wasn't good.
"Read this and write back to him. Get to know Sirius Black."
"A-are you sure?"
Beyond nodded, "We find out his motives and intentions. Since he obviously only wants you, just be happy. Be excited."
Harry nodded. He picked up the first letter. Already planning on how he would start this off.
–November 13th 1991-
Hi Pup!
You probably don't remember me, but you used to ride around on my back with the biggest smile. I even bought you your first broom. (Lily threw hexes and curses at me for weeks!)
You have your mother's eyes but your father's spirit! Ha~! I'm sorry I haven't really been in your life that much, but I will make that up. I'm always here if you want to talk or hear stories about your parents. Perhaps I could tell you where the Marauders' map is located *waggles eyebrows* Don't want to get you in any trouble though!
I don't really know how to end this at all, but I would love to hear from you soon.
Bye-Bye,
Sirius Black
P.S. I work at the orphanage. The old guy who owns the place is a total prude. Wait! You're eleven forget I wrote that. I should I write over that. Nah, I'll keep it!
-November 15 1991-
Dear Sirius,
I remember that vaguely and I thank you for my first broom. I've always had a longing to fly and be free. I guess I have you to blame for that. I have my mother's eyes and father's spirit? Really! I haven't seen any pictures of either them, and nobody bothers tell me stories about them.
Sirius! Don't say that. You weren't there because you were wrongfully accused. I completely understand and would've done the same thing had I been in your shoes. Oh, I would love to take you up on that offer. The Marauders' Map? What's that! You have to tell me. I mean if it's not too much to ask. Trouble? Sounds fun.
Me too! Nice to hear from you!
Till Next Time,
Harry J. Potter
P.S. You work at Whammy's? He is a prude, but he's a good guy who gives lots of leeway. It's fine. I won't tell if you don't.
-November 20th 1991-
Hello Harry,
You answered! To tell you the truth I wasn't so sure you would reply. I'm very happy you did. You do? That must be the Lily in you. She had the memory of an elephant and the stubbornness of a mule. *chuckles* Don't blame all that on me. You're father was a natural on the broom and its only genetic that it passed on to you. You should try out for seeker next year. Bring honor to the house of the Hufflepuff and show them just what a puff is made out off!
I don't have any pictures to show you right now, but you will see them. Nobody has told you anything. Go to Snivellus, he has plenty of stories to tell you. You know what. I lied, don't you dare. He'll give you detention for a month if he's still the Potions Master at Hogwarts!
I teared up at that, pup. You don't know how much that means to me. Thank you! No mushy stuff though. We're manly man. We don't cry or get all sentimental. Save that for the women!
The Marauders' Map is the map for dreams. You evade all sorts of people. I tell you when (if) you find the sacred Room of Requirements. Won't tell you anymore. It's nice to see the spirit of the Marauders' passed on. *winks*
Bye-Bye,
Sirius Black
P.S. Ha. He may give you leeway with those eyes of yours, but for me. *shakes my head* That guy has one scary glare.
-November 22nd 1991-
Dear Sirius,
The letters have become a welcome weekly thing. I was wondering when I would see you. My friend who appeared at Whammy's the same night as I says hi and he would like to meet you too. I will always answer. We have a long ways to catch up, no.
My Mom sounds a lot like Professor McGonagall. She wasn't like her was she? Wow, that's so cool. I found my Father's trophy in the halls. He was bloody brilliant! Maybe I will. The Puffs are the underdogs, but we shall have our glory.
Hahaha, sure whatever. We are manly man. No tears and no hugs. Not even on special occasions. Somehow I think my mother would disagree with that.
The Room of Requirement? What's that? I want to know. Give a little hint, please. That's good to hear.
Till Next Time,
Harry J. Potter
P.S. You may be on to something, then again, I don't get caught with whatever I'm doing. You do.
-November 27th 1991-
Hello Harry,
I hope they have! You should see me during the breaks, the first one being Winter Break. I have the perfect present. Hm, I remember a little boy with a tuft of inky black spiky hair and bright red eyes. He was there in your bedroom the night your parents died. Tell him I said hi and couldn't wait to see the boy I saved.
*Shudders* Your mother was nothing like that. McGonagall and her are completely different. Oh, you found that old thing. Your father was real proud when he won that. He was an insufferable arse for a bloody month. Right, but never forget that the Gryffindors are top dogs.
Harry! You're right; your mother would go crazy. She would probably create some new charms to make us feel like women. She could be very devious when she wanted to you know.
In the seventh corridor opposite of a horrible tapestry pass by it three times while thinking about what you want the most (it can't be a person and it can't be food!). What happens next I couldn't say. The rest is for to figure out. Good luck, pup.
Bye-Bye,
Sirius Black
P.S. Me get caught! Never!
-November 30thth 1991-
Dear Sirius,
Sorry I was late with returning the letter. Teachers have been cramming everything in before break and I have tons of work. I can't wait. It's so very soon. Yes, he's the one. His name is Beyond Birthday. He says thank you for saving him and hello also. He's just as excited about seeing you as you are him. Present... what is it!
Whatever you say. They sound like two sides of the same coin. I wonder which side is the best. Ooh, sounds someone can't handle the awesomeness that sounds like my father. I personally think its Slytherin, but to each person to his own right? Hahaha, just kidding. Once a badger always a badger.
My Mom is sounds really awesome. I wish I could talk to her. I miss both my parents, but I'm glad I have you. *smile*
Thank you. It's a very lovely room and I would put it good use. Are you going to tell me about the famous Marauders' Map or shall I say infamous Marauders' Map.
Till Next Time,
Harry J. Potter.
P.S. That's what they all say.
-December 4st 1991-
Hello Harry,
No problem, pup. I remember my tortuous days in school. Its actually surprising I managed through it all. Although if it hadn't been for Moony I doubt that I would've. Me either! I'm practically scaring all the little kiddies here with how happy, or happier I am. I couldn't say, pup, it ruins the surprise. I know you're going to like it though. *waggles eyebrows* Oh, I got a present for Beyond too. I hope he likes it.
Now that I think about it, they do. Your mother's definitely. She might've been one crazy lady with the biggest temper but she could be the sweetest person in the whole world when she wanted to. You didn't live with him 24/7, so you can't talk. Haha, funny. Be careful with that house Harry, there are a number of dangerous people in there. That bunch uses any means to get what they want. True loyalty that is indeed a Hufflepuff trait.
I miss them too, pup; they were my best friends'. It works vise-versa. I'm miss them, but I'm glad you here to. Enough with the girly emotions though, didn't we establish before we are manly man!
So you found it! Good for you! On yes, I can't tell you exactly what to think. All I have to say is lost items found. Good luck.
Bye-Bye,
Sirius Black
P.S. You deserve a good noogie expect to get one when we meet.
-December 6th 1991-
Dear Sirius,
Sounds like someone is slacker. I'm using that as leverage. Who's Moony? Was he a friend of my parents and you? Are you some sort teacher or caretaker at Whammy's? I want to know so badly. It's forever until Winter Break. I hope you know that I am pouting. You got a gift for Beyond. He says you shouldn't have, but I can tell he's very excited and happy. Thank you for that.
She sounds wonderful. That's true, but I'm sure it wasn't that bad. You're making sound as if he took the thing everywhere he went including to bed and in the shower. And if anyone mentioned Quidditch he would pull out his trophy for everyone to admire. I'll take heed, but Beyond is a Slytherin and he certainly is not an unkind person. That's what we're known for.
*grins* Sorry Sirius, I forgot. It won't happen again. Yea, manly man who like men stuff. No crying, no hugging, and no mushy gushy material that girls eat up.
So cryptic! I shall continue looking for the map.
Till Next Time,
Harry J. Potter
P.S. I don't want a noogie. You'll have to catch me first if that's going to happen.
-December 12th 1991-
Hello Harry,
This is the last letter before we meet. I'm grinning so much my face hurts. I will whip your arse into gear. Nobody's slacking off on my watch and I've got embarrassing baby stories. Moony was a dear friend that I'm trying to get in contact with. I'm a caretaker for the younger children at Whammy's. Only one week. Not that bad! Pouting isn't going to work when we're writing letters, haha. No problem. I hope he likes it.
She was wonderful. Harry, you don't know how right you are. The trophy went everywhere with him until they made him place it in the trophy case. Not all of the Slytherins are a bad bunch, you're friend is a good example but you still need to be careful. Indeed little badger.
It's fine. Just don't let that happen again. I'm sure we were about to get all teary again, but I reminded you. We have no tears to shed or hugs to give or the tolerance to read through a chick novel.
That's my little marauder. *smiles happily*
Bye-Bye,
Sirius Black.
P.S. I'm a young man, I'm sure I could catch a scamp like you. *grins cheekily.*
Harry let the last of Sirius' letters drop to his bed with a sigh. He leaned back against Beyond who had his arms encircled around his waist while his head was on Harry's shoulder. His hair tickled Harry's ear as he moved up to meet Harry's eyes.
"Bravo pet, you deserve a standing ovation. We learned a lot about Sirius Black in a little over four weeks with your eager act." Beyond smirked.
Harry frowned, "Do we really have to meet him though. Can't we stay here for Winter Break? He's going to try something. I know it."
Beyond laughed quietly, "Yes, we do. It's not going to be that bad and don't they all? It doesn't matter though. Nothing will ever tear us apart, pet. I won't allow it."
"But-"
Beyond kissed Harry on the cheek, nuzzling into Harry's messy hair, "I won't allow it." He repeated, meaning every single word.