My peoples, I updated in a reasonable time. Didn't I? I got a whooping sixteen reviews for the last chapter, a great welcome back gift! Thank you for all my lovely reviewers, alerters, favorites, and lurkers. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and don't worry, Sirius and Harry will sort of have a bond... that's all I'm telling you people. XD

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Spider

Chapter Ten

Meeting Sirius

Harry's heart pounded audibly against his chest the closer he and Beyond were driven to Whammy's. The sound was like that of church bells that tolled upon a person's death. It was ominous and sinister. Harry made a small sound of discomfort, as he buried his head into Beyond's chest.

Beyond glanced down at Harry. He had a good guess on why he was acting like this. Harry hadn't been calm since they had gotten off the Hogwarts' Express and the name "Sirius" had been spoken, reminding his Harry of the unfortunate stay he would have at Whammy's. A stay where he would have to be somewhat hospitable to a man that he wanted nothing to do with. In any other scenario Beyond would've assured Harry that the man would never get close enough to talk to him, but in the case he needed that man, Sirius Black; he was essential to Beyond's future plans. Harry had to be somewhat comfortable for all this to work. Beyond voiced his thoughts.

Harry shook his head, "I don't wanna." He murmured.

"It's not going to be so bad, I'm going to be there, remember."

Harry raised his head from Beyond's chest. His eyes bright with apprehension, "I know, but that doesn't mean that I won't worry. He's going to be like the others." Beyond noticed the pensive mien around Harry while he was talking. He smirked down at Harry, combing through his soft hair. His pet was so attached to him, to point where he was paranoid of meeting others. He loved that Harry was like that. It constantly reminded him that he was the only person Harry wanted. Needed, even. There was no one else.

"Haven't I told you already that I won't let that happen? Don't you trust my word?" Beyond sounded mournful when he asked the question.

Harry sounded affronted, "Of course, Beyond." He replied back with little thought. Beyond's words were like laws. They were binding and only cared for his safety. He followed them until the very end.

"Then stop such worries, pet. It's not going to happen. As I said, everything will be perfect."

Harry nodded. He trusted Beyond. His worries were silly, so he would make them disappear along with that awful pounding of his heart, to make that happen Harry lied on Beyond's chest directly above his heart. The constant rhythm the muscle provided was enough for Harry. He yawned widely. With Beyond's fingers in his hair and the wonderful beating of his heart Harry stood no chance. He yawned once more before falling asleep. Beyond followed his pathway seconds later.

Harry groaned, and attempted to hide away from the sudden breeze and light that assaulted his senses, "Come on, pet. We're here." Harry kept his eyes shut. He wanted to stay in the car in his comfy spot. He wasn't going to get up. Not even for Beyond... okay, maybe for him, but only when he wanted to get up.

"Fine, we can stay. I see Sirius coming toward us and I'm sure he would love to meet you. He seems really excited to meet you." Harry shot up; his eyes wide open swerving to the right where the nearest car door was. The pathway leading to Whammy's was as usual laden with small toys in the now dead grass. There was no stranger man coming toward the car and subsequently him. A sigh of relief escaped his lips before he turned toward Beyond, glaring.

"That wasn't nice." He said as he leaned back into his original spot.

Beyond shrugged, "You refused to get up. I had no choice."

Harry harrumphed, "You could've kissed me awake like Sleeping Beauty. What you did was mean."

Beyond hummed, "Where's the fun in that?"

Harry moved away to closest seat and crossed his arms, his chin up in the air. Beyond suppressed his smile. His Harry was cute when he was "angry". It might be good to apologize though. Harry had this odd way of casually bringing stuff back up and then he would feel bad. "Awww, pet, I'm really sorry that I tricked you. Forgive me?" He moved around Harry's form to face him. The brunet continued to ignore him. Beyond rolled his eyes. If Harry wasn't going to accept his apology and get out of the car then he would make him.

He mischievously smiled, "Well since pet is displeased by the cruel way I awoke him I guess it's best if I leave." Beyond made a show of exhaling loudly. He opened the car door, and got out. He stomped his feet extra loud a couple of times then he hid behind the car door. He hesitantly peeked up to look from the car window before crouching back down to wait.

Harry cracked an eyelid open nervously. He hadn't thought Beyond had fallen for his charade. He wasn't really mad or anything. If he was anything it was discontent; he had lost his sleeping spot to meet and interact with Sirius Back despite his wishes. So, he just wanted to have a little fun and to try dragging out the time a little. Clearly, it had backfired.

"Beyond... Beyond... BB..." Harry called, waiting for Beyond to answer back. When there was no answer Harry cocked his head. Where was he? He cautiously moved to open door, getting out. "Beyond, where are you? I wasn't rea-" The car door slammed shut. Harry whirled on his heels to meet Beyond who wore a shit-eating grin in addition to a gleam Harry recognized in his eyes.

"So, you were playing a joke, huh. To get back at me?" Beyond cooed taking a step toward Harry while Harry backpedaled, denying such claims.

"Someone is lying to me. You know I hate liars." Beyond tsked disapprovingly, "It's a master's right to give out punishments when he thinks his pet is misbehaving."

Harry backed up more, "Please." He hated Beyond's punishments.

"Can't hear you." Beyond took a running start toward him. Harry couldn't move fast enough. He was tackled to left, onto the dead grass. Thankfully the patch he laid was free of toys. The boys rolled each trying to dominate the other, but Beyond managed to successfully pin Harry to the ground. Beyond's pale hands crawled up Harry's slime green shirt, teasingly stroking his sides. Harry's flushed a bright red; he tried bucking his hips wildly to throw Beyond off. Beyond held fast into Harry, "It's futile. Accept it."

"Never!"

Beyond laughed, "You leave me no choice. I'm not sorry."

Peals of laughter ripped through the air as Beyond brutally assaulted Harry's most ticklish spots. He tried to push Beyond's hands away, but to no avail. The tingly feeling created by Beyond's fingers were too much. Damn Beyond for knowing how ticklish he was. Harry continued to roll around, laughing uncontrollably.

"Are you ever going to play a joke on me again?"

"N...n...ooo." Harry stuttered in between snickers.

"Will you now listen to absolutely every word I say?"

Harry nodded, unable to say else. Beyond in response moved down to his stomach area - one of his most sensitive spots. Beyond's slender fingers swirled around his navel before twitching causing Harry to go into another fit.

"I didn't hear you." Beyond singed-song as he darted up to Harry's armpits. He had no chance that was his most vulnerable spot. He wriggled on the ground like a worm, turning a brilliant shade of red. "What do you say, Harry? Will you listen to absolutely every word I say?" He reiterated.

"Yes." Harry panted, breathless. Beyond hands abruptly fell limply to his side.

"I knew you would see it my way." He got off Harry, standing up. He pulled Harry to his feet. His face was still tinged red and he had bits and pieces of grass stuck to his hair and clothes.

"You look like a chicken's nest." Beyond observed aloud.

Harry playfully glared, sticking out his tongue, "I wonder why."

Beyond grinned before moving closer to Harry to help him pick grass out of his Harry's hair and clothes. When he had picked out ninety-five percent of it Beyond had deemed Harry acceptable. He grabbed Harry's wrist, pulling him toward Whammy's where their luggage had been sat next to the door. As the duo climbed step-by-step Harry's whole demur changed. He stood behind Beyond, now hanging onto his t-shirt.

"I don't want to go in there. Don't make me do this." Harry hissed, slipping back into parseltongue without a thought.

Beyond leaned forward knocking on the wooden door. He slid back down onto his feet, "We have too. Pet, he will not touch you or will be ever talk to you alone. Everything shall be fine. Just trust me as always."

"I will." With those words the door was opened to show a tall man in his early thirties with dull, long black curly hair. He had aristocratic features that didn't quite look right on his sunken face. The mysterious man smiled warmly as he peeked around Beyond immediately locating Harry.

"Why so shy, pup? I don't look so bad that you don't recognize me."

Harry frowned the tiniest bit, "Sirius Black." He identified grimly. An unnoticeable ripping sound was heard as the piece of shirt Harry held was stretched beyond its means.

"The one and only."

Harry tried to paste on a happy smile, but it failed miserably resulting in a desperate glance to Beyond. A subtle nod toward Harry's direction, Beyond cut in. "You'll have to excuse Harry. He's had a long train ride."

Sirius nodded. His warm gaze stayed on Harry, "I hope we can talk soon." Harry nodded stiffly. Beyond grabbed his hand brushing past Sirius. Only when Beyond and him were in their own room did Harry dare relax.

Sirius on the other hand didn't have it so easy. He had been nervous, tense, insecure and just generally confused for days. It was uncommon for him to act like this, but he was. For the past three days Harry had been avoiding him. Questions jumbled in his mind. Perhaps, there was something wrong with him, or maybe Harry had heard terrible rumors about him and his family. Harry, when he could talk to him, reassured him that it was nothing of that sort. It was that he was busy. He was always busy, cramped up in his room and when he came out of his room he was in that damn boy's shadow. Harry was never without him it seemed. It was unnatural how much time those two spent together and no one did or said a thing about it. He had a first thought the boys were best friends borderline brothers since their history was so similar but he had caught Harry in Backup's lap on several occasions, them constantly touching each other on one way or another and sharing small kisses here and there. They weren't even teens for Merlin's sake yet everybody was fine—dare he say it - used to this behavior. Although, he would find out why Harry was avoiding him and the extent his relationship went to with that boy.

Sirius grinned as he took a seat across from Alice Carpenter during lunch. She was a petite woman with hazel eyes and short dirty blond hair. It was rare to see her not smile. Alice was the History teacher for the older kids that resided at Whammy's. She had a personality that went well with Sirius. He was happy when he had found a friend among the serious and rigid staff members. Today, Sirius was hoping she could shed a little light on his problems.

"Hello, Alice." Sirius greeted.

"Whassup, Siri?" She responded as she stabbed several leafy greens with her fork.

"Nothing much. What about you?"

She shrugged, "I'm happy about the break. No more whiny smartass kids thinking they're better than you just because they are next in line to take on the great name that is L."

Sirius laughed, "Let me guess. Mello was complaining about your work. Near finishing before you even explained anything. Matt, dear Matt, takes one glance at his paper before he's back to playing his gameboy. Yet, Game Boy continues to score behind Mello and Near."

"How did you know?"

"I don't know. Lucky guess or pretty much every other teacher complains about them."

Alice sighed sadly, "Yea. I miss Alternative. He was so much better than those brats. He was a fantastic kid." She gave Sirius a long look, "He would've made an amazing successor to 'L'. It's too bad he didn't have anything to ground him in this damn system. Near has his toys. Mello has his chocolate and Matt, his games. Even Backup has something."

Sirius' shoulders hunched forward and his eyebrows knitted together. This was his chance. "Are you implying my godson, Harry, is Backup's anchor so to say?"

"And if I am?" She challenged.

"Then Backup needs to find something or someone else. What he has with Harry isn't right. I've seen the way Harry acts. He's too dependent on him. Nobody says a word."

"What of it." Alice glared though her focus was centered on something behind Sirius but it came back to him. "Whatever you have against Backup you should let it go. He isn't normal."

Sirius flinched as if he had been slapped, "What do mean by normal? I'm not norma-"

"You know damn well I'm not referring to that. Backup is dangerous, leave his anchor alone. It's something we've all had to accept at one point, but I'm telling you right now you are trying to fight a pointless battle. It's only going to end in your defeat."

"I don't understand. He's just a boy. Surely, there is something you guys can do."

Alice laughed harshly. Once again she stared off behind Sirius and again came back to him. "We've tried. Backup comes back though for his anchor. When he comes his anchor becomes more and more attached and so does he."

Sirius opened his mouth then closed it. "I just want to fulfill the role I wasn't able to." He said so quietly that Alice had to strain to hear.

"I'm sorry, Siri. I'm really sorry. If you want any part in his life then you will have to accept whatever they have. If you don't then you might as well be dead to him."

Sirius shook head, "I can't accept it and I will fight it."

Alice stared at sympathetically at Sirius, "Good luck then." She gathered her uneaten lunch, getting up from the table. She didn't sit with other students or teachers instead she threw her lunch away completely exiting the dining room. As soon as she left the small 'bubble' Sirius had constructed around them had popped. Once again was he aware where he was. The sounds of students and teachers alike chattering and the overwhelming smell of everyone's food came rushing back to him.

Sirius grunted. Now more than ever was he left confused state. While his questions had initially been answered more popped up. He wouldn't give up until he scrapped the bottom of the pot. Sirius unwrapped his BLT, his thoughts momentarily thwarted in favor of his hunger. He took a couple of bites savoring the taste until he felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. Someone was staring at him. He turned around in seat, frozen at the sight in front of him.

His godson sat on Backup's lap (as usual) being fed like a baby. Backup was spoon-feeding Harry the tomato soup the cafeteria was serving today and Harry was accepting it. In fact he looked like he was enjoying it. Sirius took a calming breath. He wouldn't go over there. Backup's garnet eyes were on Sirius; Sirius silently dared the boy to continue feeding his godson in such a way. Backup understood and the spoon was put to the glass table. Harry appeared as if he would have none that. Sirius watched as Harry nudged Backup and said few words to him. Backup sent an 'apologetic' look toward him before he continued his previous actions. Sirius couldn't take anymore of the sight. He got up from his seat feeling defeated. He vowed that this wouldn't be the end of it. He would succeed where others had failed.

Beyond sat the spoon on the table as soon as Sirius had left. "You know you shouldn't tease him like that." His words were contradicted by the amused expression on his face.

"Then he should trying to get so close to me. I don't want to know him."

"Now, pet, we've been over a lot of times. You need to at least show you want to be around him. Just indulge him for a while. Isn't it important you create some sort of familial bond?"

Harry wrapped his arms around Beyond's neck holding him close. "Who needs a familial bond when I have you?"

Beyond agreed ending the conversation. Sirius would see it with own eyes and marvel. Then he would understand falling into his web.

The fire crackled beside them giving off an immense amount of heat. Beyond and Harry sat in a red love seat. Harry was lying on Beyond's shoulders absentmindedly humming while playing with his fingers. They were waiting for one Sirius Black. The old grandfather clock struck twelve and the baritone chime resounded throughout the room. Beyond clicked his tongue. Sirius was late by an hour. Beyond despised lateness it rude and uncouth. Under other circumstances Beyond would've made his feelings for such a matter apparent, but for this one incident he saw to it that his emotions wouldn't get out of hand. He could spare him a few minutes.

Sirius finally made an entrance. He smiled faintly at Harry before taking a seat in front of them. "Sorry, I'm so late. I had a few things to do."

"We understand. Harry and I just wanted to talk."

"About?" Sirius asked. He betrayed nothing that he was feeling at the moment, the very picture of calm.

"What you need to understand when it comes to us. I don't want you to end up like the others. My Harry seems to have developed a strong liking to you." Beyond said. Barely wincing as Harry nudged him particularly hard in the side.

"Really? Just what happened to the others?"

"All you need to know is that they're gone. I want warn you though. Do not attempt to separate us. I can guarantee you right now that it won't work. Secondly, if you want a relationship with my Harry, then by default you will have a relationship with me. Thirdly, Harry is mine. Nothing will change that. Learn that and you're fine with us." Beyond pointed to the two of them.

Sirius growled. His canine teeth looking very big and sharp, "Harry, don't you want to come over here and sit in your own seat. By yourself. You know it's okay if you want to spend a little time without him." He tried appealing to Harry, saying "him" as if it was a curse.

"No. Thank you." He replied quietly.

"What did you do to him?" Sirius angrily questioned. Lily and James' son couldn't be like this. Their son couldn't be so attached to one person; it was as if Harry was under the effects of Amortentia. The strongest love potion in the world. The user instantly fell in "love," more like obsessed, with whoever the potion was directed toward. As much as Sirius wanted to accuse Harry of being under such a thing, he wasn't. There were visible symptoms that accompanied the taking of such a potion.

"I did nothing." Beyond simpered, "It's always been like this."

"I don't believe you."

"Don't or can't?" Beyond said raising an eyebrow.

Sirius was left speechless. Beyond shook his head. "Pet, it's time for you to go to bed. Sirius and I have to talk some more."

"Why? You can talk to him tomorrow. I'm not going to bed without you." Harry said, defiant. He wanted to hear more of this conversation. If Sirius and Beyond were going to stay up talking then so was he.

"Are you breaking your promise to me? Do you want more punishment?"

"Ah, no." Harry crossed his arms protectively over his stomach.

"Then off to bed." He shooed Harry to the door. Harry pouted, getting up from his seat. He sent one more unsure glance to Beyond. The older boy smiled at him gently, mouthing 'goodnight'. Harry left with the door closing behind him.

Beyond and Sirius stared each other down. They could now talk freely. Express what couldn't be expressed with Harry between them. "Enough games. There is a real reason why I called you. I have a proposition for you."

"I'm listening." Sirius was on edge. Backup's voice had taken on a chilling tone.

"You want Harry to be independent, right? Well for five days I shall give you that chance. I will not interact with Harry at all. Technically speaking he shall be free."

"What's the catch?"

Beyond frowned and waved a hand. "No catch. I see that you're a hardheaded fellow. You need a visual example to help you along. Harry will know nothing of this. Do you accept?"

"I do." Sirius moved to get from his seat as did Beyond.

"One more thing. Come to me if it gets to urgent. My Harry is... temperamental without me. Remember that will you?"

"Mhm."

Beyond grinned like a Cheshire cat. "I bid you adieu then." He waved briefly, going back to his shared bedroom. Sirius slumped back into his seat. He ran fingers through his curly hair feeling tired all of the sudden.

"I think I just got played." He spoke to himself.

Beyond entered the bedroom. Harry immediately sat up in the bed looking incredibly sleepy. "Whatcha you guys talk about?" He questioned immediately. Beyond kept the silence. He sat on the bed wrapping Harry in a hug. This was the last time he would be with Harry. For five days he would ignore his pet. The very thought caused him pain, but, alas; he was willing to go through it. There was a major reward when all of this was done.

"Do you still remember my promise, pet?"

"Uh huh. You said you would never leave me."

"Good job. No matter what I do I will keep that promise. Do you understand?"

"I...zzz...do..." Harry snored softly. He fell limply against Beyond's chest. Asleep. Beyond laid him on the bed just watching Harry. He kissed Harry at both corners of his mouth, lying down with him. He closed his eyes, his arms encircling Harry's thin waist.

"For your sake. I hope." Beyond closed his eyes, wishing that tomorrow didn't have to come.