Authors Note: Thanks again for all the support.
Shadow Phoenix
Chapter 12
Godfather
Lucius has a hard time not to grin at the glower his son's best friend is throwing at him. Harry is still mad about the thing with the book and not taking better care to ensure that Draco won't find it, like Lucius wasn't angry with himself about it. However, to see Harry glower about it and smothering Draco who thrives at all the attention he's receiving from Harry ever since, is more than amusing. Severus was forced to move with Harry into the Manor for the duration of the summer since Harry flat out refused to leave Draco out of his sight.
He hadn't said anything of the like but after Severus and Lucius had picked up their respective sons and apparated them to their respective homes, Draco had been flashed to spinners end. Lucius still has no idea how Harry is doing it but the second Draco leaves his sight for anything short of a bathroom break, Draco is flashed towards his side.
They just celebrated Harry's 13th birthday when Severus receives a letter from Albus delivered by Fawkes, or so Severus assumes since he can't be certain which of the bloody Phoenixes it is. Harry is present just like Draco and both of his parents. Severus opens the letter and pales while reading it.
The phoenix is still there and starts to fly circles around Harry and trills to him. Severus assumes quickly that it's the annoying Gryffindor chicken considering that apart from being unable to settle in one place he also seems talkative. Little does he know what he's saying.
"Hallo my little chick. I hope you've been well." He says after arriving while Severus is still reading, "I have grave news, a prisoner from the magical Prison Azkaban escaped. He was responsible for many bad things, some of which you'll hear all too soon but the worst thing is that he might be after you. You must be careful my little chick. I know that he's probably not a threat to you but even someone weak can surprise you if you're not careful so please be on your guard." Harry just rolls his eyes, "We mean it. And we'll be returning on occasion to teach you some more now that you're another year older." Harry just nods slightly. By now Severus has finished reading and passed the letter to Lucius, "Oh, and ask your dad if he wants to tell you about the birds and the bees or if he'd rather let Fawkes and I do that!"
Harry looks confused towards the bird and asks, "What the hell do you mean to teach me about birds and bees?"
"He better not be thinking about doing that!" Severus grumbles.
"Not really." Harry shrugs while Draco blushes, "He just asked me to ask you if you wanted or if Fawkes and he should."
"They better stay out of it." Severus grumbles, "And you're too young anyway."
"I wouldn't say that my friend." Narcissa replies, "Harry is turning 13 and becoming a young man, he needs to know such things."
"Maybe in a year," Severus sighs before he adds in a quieter mumble, "Or two or three."
"If he didn't tell you by your next birthday chick," The Phoenix trills, "We'll do it, just don't tell him but the lady is right, you need to learn. Your body will start to react to certain things in different ways soon and considering that your friend looks like a tomato I believe he already had the talk!"
"What talk?" Harry asks looking towards Draco, "He thinks you know what they mean?"
"Don't ask me!" Draco whines, "I'm begging you ask your dad or my father or mother but not me!"
"When he's older." Severus replies again, "End of discussion."
"Don't worry little chick," The Phoenix trills, "I'll keep an eye on you and your adorable little snake and should you need to know anything sooner, I will teach you in time."
Harry just shrugs and decides not to ask any more questions, he's apparently bound to learn at some point and probably is getting enough new information's from them soon anyway. "Fine." Harry grumbles.
"By the way Severus," Lucius requests after the Phoenix left, "Why did Harry ask if Fawkes or he should teach him? He who? And since when can he talk to them?"
"Long story." Severus just replies, "Long and boring, just be happy you don't need to know."
"You always say that when something is too secret to be shared but most certainly especially interesting!" Lucius points out and Severus just grins.
The next few days Harry reads the Daily Prophet to find out the name of the escapee and why he could be after him but apart from him having been a follower of Mouldy, he has no idea. He doesn't find out either and is still wondering about it when he starts to go back to Hogwarts. Even his Phoenix friends that were around some evenings to teach him again didn't let him know anything about this Sirius Black.
He did however learn that he should be going flying on occasion since like most muscles even those of a Phoenix need to be trained and Harry, while strong for a normal human, is rather weak for a Phoenix since he doesn't fly often in his Phoenix form. He decides to do so once he's back at Hogwarts and can't be with Draco as much as during the summer.
Once the first of September came around, Harry and Draco met Ron and Hermione at the Platform. Ron keeps talking about his trip to Egypt and what he'd seen there. He also shows them the article in the Prophet that was about the money they had won and how they had spent it on a family holiday to meet Bill. Hermione is also there even though she and Ron seem to have started a little fight since her new pet cat Crookshanks seems to enjoy hunting rats and sadly, Ron's pet Scabbers is just that. They bicker on and off all through their ride to school and Harry has a hard time trying to stay out of it while Draco enjoys pointing out that Ron should be glad to get rid of that ruddy rat.
Half way there the train stops. Hermione looks out the window stating that it's too early to be in Hogwarts. It doesn't take long until Harry feels the heat go down. "It's cold." Draco says a little later.
"Come here." Harry replies and pulls Draco closer feeling worried. Something is wrong. He tries to focus his magic on the compartment and surroundings to make sure they stay safe. He feels something approaching and says, "Dementors."
"What?" All three his friends say shocked and then the compartment door opens and Harry hears a scream combined with a lot of the Dursley's voices calling him freak, worthless, or worse.
The door to the compartment opens further and the creature is standing in the now open doorway looking at them and closing in a little. It seems to be inhaling and the cold gets worse and while Harry is fighting the thoughts that dying would be so much easier then fighting this he feels Draco, who is still in his arm, shiver. Memories of Draco start to break through the depression. Memories of flying with Draco, of Draco smiling at him and calling him his, of them playing or leaning together in Hogwarts and of Draco just lying in his arms after Harry saved him at the end of last year. "Expecto Patronum!" Harry shouts feeling some warmth return and for the first time since Harry had begged Remus to tell him about the spell that his mother used to make a doe appear that looked like the one on his wall, mist is coming from the tip of his wand without him having to overpower the spell with much more magical energy then most could use.
The Dementor retreats and the door closes again. "That thing is the worst!" Draco mumbles still shivering in Harry's arms. "Good thing you can do all those things."
Harry just frowns, "That was barely passable. A patronus, when done perfectly, would have the shape of an animal. I've been practising it ever since I knew my mother's one was a doe like the one on the wall in my room. I never could though."
"How does it work." Hermione asks curious.
"You need to think of a very happy memory and focused on it while saying Expecto Patronum." Harry explains.
Draco looks worriedly towards Harry and says, "I'm sure you'll have a memory that is happy enough someday. Why not think of that time you showed that Spain seeker how to dive down on a broom?"
"Doesn't do anything." Harry sighs.
"What memory did you use now?" Ron asks.
"Draco." Harry replies with a shrug, "Flying with him and playing with him when we were little and you know, just doing stuff."
Draco beams towards Ron, "Told you he likes me best!"
"I like all of you." Harry tries to end the fight before it can start. "But he shivered and was close enough for me to feel it and that reminded me of him, that's all."
"I was there because he pulled me in when there was even a remote chance of danger." Draco adds proudly before looking worriedly towards Harry, "You do realise that you can't keep me glued to your hip anymore, though right? I mean, I didn't mind having a second bed in my room for you but honestly, I'm NOT sleeping in Gryffindor and you can't sleep in Slytherin."
"I know." Harry pouts.
"Good." Draco points out but cuddles closer to his friend happy for the attention. "But we can still spend plenty of time together during the day. Don't worry, remember what we promised each other, we stay friends no matter what."
"By the way, when we were sorted, did you try?" Harry asks "It took longer than I thought for you to be sorted and I once heard you mumble about stupid hats."
Draco nods with a sigh, "It was like talking against a wall though. There is no reasoning with that stupid hat."
"It worked for me." Harry replies, "Pointing out the danger seemed to have done the trick."
Draco just pouts. "So we could both be in Slytherin but not in Gryffindor?"
"Yeah." Harry sights too, "And by now, I doubt there would be all that much danger for me from those students."
"Stupid hat!" Draco grumbles. "At least we've got each other during the day."
"Yeah." Harry says pulling him closer. "And you better come to me when you need someone to talk and not talk to some stupid diary."
Draco just rolls his eyes, "Will you ever stop talking about that? I know it was stupid and won't do it again now can we all get over it?"
Harry just grins and says, "Why would I? You're way too cute when you get annoyed!"
Everyone in their compartment stare at Harry who doesn't even seem to notice how love sick he's acting while he himself just grins at his blond friend who blushes. A little later Draco changes the topic, "Whatever, Ron play chess with me I'm board of this idiot!"
Ron just rolls his eyes certain that Draco just needs to calm himself before he gets a heart attack from Harry's unintentional confession of adoration. Still Hermione is certain that those two won't stay friends forever. It's just a matter of time until Harry stops being an adorable little kid, loses that innocence and finally notices that he's head over heels for Draco and vice versa.
Once they arrive at Hogwarts Harry sees his dad hurry towards him, and to his surprise, he's not alone. Remus Lupin is following close behind. "How are you? I heard after getting here that Dementors would be searching the train! After everything, it must be worse for you than others!"
Hermione frowns wondering if that has anything to do with Harry having been suicidal as a kid. "I'm fine dad." Harry replies. "I practised the Patronus charm ever since Remi mentioned it when I was a kid and I managed to produce some mist to get it out."
"That's good." Severus sighs, "Remus will teach you to improve on it just in case. Minister Fudge tried to talk Albus into letting them stand guard around the school and even inside the castle. Albus refused but sadly he can't stop the Minister form stationing them around the boundaries at all the entrances."
"Great." Harry grumbles, "Just bloody great."
"Don't worry, you won't get to see them since I made sure to inform Minerva that I take the signature for going to Hogsmead that I gave you at the start of the holidays back." Severus say.
"I beg your bloody pardon?" Harry grumbles. "I want to go to Hogsmead with Draco and the others!"
"Too dangerous." Severus orders.
Harry just glares at him and says, "You can't do this! It's not fair!"
"That's life." Severus just says "And now get into the school before something happens. I don't doubt that Black will get past those things again! He knows Hogwarts better than most!"
"Awesome." Harry grumbles. "Then it doesn't matter if I'm here or in Hogsmead so I might as well go!"
Severus just glares at him, "You're going to stay! That's final!"
Harry just grumbles and pulls Draco past his dad.
He doesn't hear Remus ask his dad, "Aren't you a little strict?"
"Actually," Severus grins, "I hope he'll disobey and flash to Draco there."
"You want him to disobey?" Remus questions.
"He's never really done it." Severus sighs, "He endangered himself to protect others and disobeyed for that or because Draco insisted that he come to him and tell him that he's okay, but never just for himself. Sometimes it seems that he's still scared of what I'll do and I hope to provoke him to, for once, just do something forbidden for the fun of it. I'll certainly be around Hogsmead to make sure to catch him should he do that. He needs to learn that it's not the end of the world if he does and he won't until he dares to do it once."
"You want to teach him to disobey?" Remus grins at him.
"I know, sounds strange." Severus replies, "And I do want him to obey me but he needs to trust me too and right now, he's not fully there yet. The damage those Dursleys did is still there, just lingering under the surface barely healed at all. It won't heal until he learns to trust me fully."
"I wish I could have ripped them apart." Remus growls and Severus pales hearing that animalistic sound "But at least they got what they deserved, even if the torture wasn't nearly enough."
"I know." Severus grumbles, "But better than what you could do on your own. If Black had been around, it might have been different. But he's just as bad."
"I still can't believe he did that!" Remus sighs, "He and James, they were so close. It be like Draco betraying Harry! Siri and James were like brothers! James parents took him in when he had that fight with his own! I always thought he'd be the last person to betray James. I thought he'd sooner die then betray them and now he did just that and was still able to walk around and killed more people right after that. He wasn't even tortured. It doesn't make sense. But what other explanation is there?"
Severus looks at him with a frown and sighs, "I know what you mean. I was shocked too and I hate him and know how mean and dangerous he can be. He nearly killed me when we were fifteen. But he hated me. That he'd do that to Potter? Not even I saw that one coming. But on a lighter note, I wanted to ask if I could get some blood samples from you!" Severus changes the topic.
"Blood?" Lupin questions. "Whatever do you need that for?"
"I've gotten the hint that Phoenix claws can be cut and when turned into a powder can be used in potions. I did some testing on it, and it seems to expel lingering dark magic. I'm working on a potion to dispel it from curse wounds allowing them to be fully healed. But after further consideration of the effects I'm wondering if I can use it to create a potion that will expel the dark magic that infused with yours from the werewolf bite you got as a child. If it works the way I hope, I might be able to cure you completely rather then suppress the wolf's mind during the change on the full moon!" Severus explains and after seeing the man's surprised face asks, "It's just hypothetical yet and I don't know if it will work but since Harry's finger and toe nails even work that way when in human form and they grow much faster, I have plenty to use for testing's. Just don't get your hopes up yet!"
"You get anything you want for that!" Remus replies, "I know the odds of success are slim but even the slightest chance is worth doing anything for. You have no idea what it would mean to me!"
"I doubt anyone who isn't infected can imagine it." Severus sighs. "But like I said, I might not be able to get it powerful enough to expel that kind of dark magic."
"I'm just grateful that you're trying at all." Remus says and both walk towards the castle and later that night Harry and his friends know why Remus is there, he's their new defence professor since, to Harry's delight, Lockhart still doesn't remember anything from his past.
Soon Harry has a routine in his daily life that includes the flying he wanted to do. He goes on a fly around Hogwarts every morning and evening before standing up or after going to bed he turns and flies over the forbidden forest or towards Hogsmead to look at the village from above. During the day, he goes to his classes and, to his fathers and Draco's annoyance, he only takes Care of magical creatures and divination as an elective on top of all his other classes. He only took those because he had to pick two and all his friends are in care of magical creatures and divination is supposed to be rubbish anyway so he might as well make up something making it easy.
He also doesn't care to learn more about muggles since he still knows most things from his time with the Dursleys and rather not is reminded of that time of his life every time they talk about muggles. Also, the Phoenix Li was very interested in Arithmancy and has a mastery in it and already taught Harry everything she knows about the subject in those nightly dream crash courses and Fawkes did the same with his favourite subject Ancient runes which he knows more or less everything about. Harry knows them well enough to read a text written in runes flawlessly himself thanks to Fawkes' lessons. And while he doesn't mind having an easy class, he'd rather not do one where he'll have to write a lot of stuff to practise something he already can do anyway.
Draco is upset that Harry hadn't chosen Arithmancy like he had but after Harry tells him that one of his Phoenix friends taught him everything about it and that Harry will help him, Draco is fine with it. Ron chose the same Harry did and they are glad to at least have one friend in every class. But then again, Hermione chooses everything. Making them wonder how she'll be able to sit through every class. Harry figures it out the first time she shows up seemingly out of nowhere in Divination. He senses a crack in time with his magic, that by now subconsciously is always flaring around him and sensing his surroundings, feeding him with extra information's. Most of which are useless but some, like Hermione having a time turner, are interesting to know.
Hermione is surprised though when a few weeks into term Draco asks Harry for help with his Arithmancy homework and is about to point out that Harry didn't take it but that she could help him when Harry just jumps in and explains it to him. "How do you know?" She asks him.
"I read about it a few times before and only didn't take the class because I already know enough I guess." Harry shrugs, "But if you ever need help, feel free to ask."
After staring for a little while she asks, "If you're smart enough to learn that, why do you need help with potions homework."
"Because I suck at potions even with the teacher being my dad." Harry points out. "Guess I've got just no talent for it."
"I wonder why?" Draco sighs, "Even when I watch you do everything correct, your potion always turns out wonky."
"I have no idea." Harry replies, "All I know is that it seems to be getting worse every year."
"Maybe you should ask your dad for remedial lessons." Ron grins earning himself a glare. Especially since Harry does know the reason but doesn't want to tell them that his magic instinctively moves around him more and more and interferes with the magic of the ingredients in the process and such making his potion wonky as Draco put it.
The year moves on peacefully for the most part. Like with most things in Harry's life, it doesn't stay that way though. Some night after dinner a huge que was gathering in front of Gryffindor and when Ron assumes that Neville has forgotten the password again, said boy turns out to be behind them. Not that it makes much sense to begin with since with that many people wanting to get in, one of them would have known the password and helped the poor boy before such a que starts to build up.
They found out soon after why no one could get in though. Apparently, the portrait of the fat lady, that is guarding their entrance, was ripped and the fat lady is gone. Dumbledore comes soon after they had arrived and Harry is just happy that for once, he wasn't the first one there when something happens around this blasted school. He just stands and watches how Dumbledore orders the fat lady to be found only to be told that the care taker Argus Filch already has spotted her in another portrait not far from them. Everyone rushes there trying to hear what she's going to tell Albus while Harry is rather calm, word travels fast and with so many wanting to hear it even all the way in the back, he's bound to hear the news travel past him.
And so he does, it seems his dad was right, Sirius Black can get past the Dementors, but apparently, not past the fat lady even after cutting the portrait. Still, they are sent to the great hall with all the students from the other houses while the teachers are searching the castle. Not that it makes much sense to Harry since he would bet anything he has that Black can get into the great hall while he obviously couldn't get into the dorm but oh well, no need to try and understand Dumbledore's logic if thanks to that, he can watch over Draco while that madman is around the school.
Harry enjoys sleeping next to Draco even though, technically he's not asleep yet and only lying down watching the blond boy sleep when he hears his dad approach Dumbledore who stayed with the students for protection. "He's gone, we couldn't find him anywhere." Severus tells the headmaster.
"I assumed as much." Albus replies calmly, "I doubted he'd settle here. Thanks for helping the search Severus."
"You know I'd have searched anyway." Severus grumbles, "Are you sure it's safe to have Remus here? He and Black were best friends. He might betray Harry as easily as Black had betrayed James."
"No, he wouldn't." Albus replies. "I trust him fully."
"Would you have assumed Black to turn on James? Even Remus and I are still shocked he did." Severus points out, "I don't like placing my son's life on trust alone."
"Remus wouldn't harm young Harry." Albus insists. "I'm sure he didn't assist Sirius."
"What if you're wrong?" Severus questions.
"Then Sirius would have been in Gryffindor tower." Albus replies, "Remus knew the password!"
"You let him know the password?" Severus grumbles.
"Yes." Albus replies, "I knew Sirius would get in sooner or later, this way we know that Remus wasn't part of it and you can rest assured that he's not betraying Harry."
"And what if he had?" Severus growls quietly, trying to stay silent enough to let the children rest. "Harry could have been dead."
"I knew Remus wouldn't." Albus insists. "Now rest my boy."
"Should I tell Harry?" Severus questions, "About Black being his godfather and having betrayed his parents to Voldemort!"
"Maybe." Albus sighs, "But not tonight. We should let the boy rest."
Harry just lies there motionless and wonders, something doesn't make sense. Sure, the last part of the conversation was shocking but something earlier already had caught his attention. His dad was wrong with one thing, dreadfully wrong. If Sirius Black had known the password, Harry wouldn't be dead right now since Sirius apparently tried to get in during dinner time. If he knows the layout of the castle that well, he should at least know what time dinner is served, especially since that hasn't been changed in centuries!
What on earth could have made the man believe that Harry wouldn't be in the great hall as he so obviously was. He wasn't even the first to be back. Did Sirius plan to sneak in and wait to ambush him? But how would he get out again? Was killing Harry more important than staying free? And why, if he was a friend, had he betrayed Remus and James in such a way? Even his dad hadn't thought he would and he's the last person that trusts easily.
Harry decides to use to next Hogsmead trip to speak to Remus about Black.
Once his friends are gone towards the village Harry goes to see Remus and asks him if he's got some time. He starts with telling the older man what he knows about Sirius. About Black being his godfather and a friend of James.
Remus sighs, "Yeah, they were friends. Close friends even. Sirius was closer to James than to his own brother."
"How did he betray my parents?" Harry questions and Remus explains about the charm that had hidden the Potter family and how Sirius was their Secret keeper. Harry is quiet after that and frowns. It is strange that such a good friend would just betray them. Remus went on and talked about Peter the other friend they had and Harry, just out of curiosity wants to know more about the four friends. Remus starts to tell him lots of pranks they did. Unknowing to Harry, leaving out all they played on Severus.
"So, if I'm like my dad, you'd be like Hermione and Siri like Draco while Peter was a bit like Ron." Harry muses, "It be like Draco betraying me. But he wouldn't."
"I know." Remus sighs, "I never, in my wildest dreams, would have guessed that Sirius would. I couldn't even believe it at first but when they caught Sirius he seemed half crazy mumbling, I did it, and all my fault."
Harry frowns, "That's a confession I guess, but still, why was he half crazy?"
"I don't know." Remus replies, "The strange thing is he calmed down in Azkaban. He was still sane when Fudge was there not too long ago and he asked calmly if he may read the Prophet if Fudge is done with it. Fudge had the paper in his hand. After that he started to mumble he's at Hogwarts. Probably saw you mentioned as one of Ron's friends in that article about their family."
"He must have known that anyway." Harry sighs, "It still doesn't make ANY sense."
"Such things never do." Remus sighs too. "Let's not think about it anymore. Why aren't you even trying to sneak off to Hogsmead, I know the entrances are well guarded but you being able to flash, can just go anyway."
"Yeah right!" Harry grumbles, "I saw dad go there. He'd bust my ass for a month and I rather be able to spend some time with Draco here. I just hope he's safe alone there."
"I'm sure he's fine." Remus says, "But don't you have your father's invisibility cloak? I heard Albus sent it to you on your first Christmas here."
Harry says, "Yeah I do but in case you missed it, there is snow out there and food steps are kind of noticeable and dad being out and about will watch for those. No thanks, not worth the risk."
"He wouldn't punish you that, badly would he?" Remus grins.
"Ground me for some time though." Harry points out. "And like I said, rather one day without my Draco then a few weeks not being able to spend time with him because I'm grounded like a little kid. Especially not knowing that Dad is just waiting for me to break that damn rule."
"You think he is?" Remus asks surprised.
"I know him." Harry replies, "Just like he knows me. I'm not going to disobey him over this. It's not worth getting him mad over."
Remus watches the young boy. "He wouldn't get too mad I'm sure. And he'd still love you."
"I know." Harry grins, "But he might be disappointed. I mean he's probably expecting that I want to go badly enough to disobey and probably went to make sure to see it if I do and make sure I'd be safe, but I rather not disappoint him by disobeying just for a day out and I've been there before I was in my first year with dad. It's not that great and Draco promised to buy me some sweets."
"If you say so." Remus sighs and plans to inform Severus that apparently, Harry won't disobey something like this and try to talk him into letting Harry go. He's probably safer there with his friends and so many people around then here in school when nearly all the older students are gone. Harry leaves soon after to fly a little as Felix and get some extra practise.
Soon after it's Christmas and Harry is worried when Draco is about to go home for the holidays. He frowns every time Draco talks about it before he actually goes and once the train leaves, he feels uncomfortable to the point that he's flashing Draco towards himself again. "Sorry," Harry mumbles when a confused looking Draco is back in Hogwarts, "I was worried to let you go."
"That's it!" Draco complains, "You know I thought it kind of cute that you wanted me around all summer and loved to the attention as you know but sharing you with your friends but not being allowed to visit mother and father is a little much don't you think? I'm not an imbecile I can take care of myself and just because I made one lousy mistake doesn't mean you can't leave me out of your sight. You will flash me back onto that train right now. You WILL let me go and bloody learn to trust me a little again was that clear?"
Harry just blushes and mumbles something quietly but does take his hand and flash him into an empty compartment in the train before he leaves again. Still, throughout the train ride Draco sees Felix flash into the compartment, for a split second just to disappear again, at least once every hour.
Draco just grumbles about overprotective jerks every time and slowly the time between each flash gets a tiny bit longer and once Draco is home, he only sees Felix about five to six times each day.
As every year since Harry and Draco became friends, and for Severus ever since he saved Draco and Narcissa when Draco was born, Severus and Harry are invited to Malfoy Manor for dinner on Christmas day. They just got there when Draco asks Harry "What's this, no flashing away again before I can properly complain about overprotective friends?"
Harry blushes while Severus drawls "Do I need to ground you for leaving Hogwarts without permission?"
"Can we talk about that later dad?" Harry questions still blushing.
"Tonight, when we're home." Severus replies strictly.
Harry just sighs before looking at Draco "Did you have to ask in front of him?"
"I told you. You WILL learn to bloody trust me a little again." Draco grins "Don't get me wrong, we all know how much I'm loving the attention I get, but I won't let it go overboard and flashing me from the train trying to make me stay and only letting me go with near hourly check-ups is most certainly overboard."
"You flashed him from the train?" Narcissa grins amused. "I guess Draco is right Harry dear, you are a tad bit overprotective."
"A tad bit?" Draco questions.
"You like it enough when he spent all his time with you." Narcissa grins "And I have a feeling you wouldn't complain even now if he stayed longer to spend some time with you."
"The fact that I like his attention on me doesn't change the fact that he is getting WAY overboard and not just a tad bit, mother." Draco replies.
"Marry Christmas." Harry says loudly looking like a tomato "What did you get for Christmas Draco?"
Lucius grins "Severus my friend, I'm afraid Harry needs some lessons in conversation. Especially his ability to smoothly change the topic seems to be lacking."
Harry just groans while Draco decides to help his friend now and says, "From father I got four tickets for the next Quidditch world championship. And I mean four for every game so you better make sure not to get grounded this summer."
"Awesome!" Harry beams and takes out three small presents. One for each of the Malfoys. "It's nothing big but I hope you'll like it. I made it myself."
Harry smiles when Miss Malfoy appreciatively looks at the necklace of silver with a small green stone. "You said you made this yourself?" Lucius asks looking at a snake ring with the Malfoy crest on it.
"Did you make them the same way you made my necklace?" Draco asks threateningly.
"Yes," Harry confirms with a chuckle "But they don't have the same material and due to that aren't the same."
"Okay." Draco replies happily. "I got something for you too." Draco holds out a small box.
Harry opens it while Draco finally opens his own from Harry. He had been busy getting his for Harry before he could open the one from Harry. "Thanks," Harry says after seeing a plain but nice looking green snake bracelet that appears to be eating its own tail and perfectly matches his eye colour. "It looks nice."
He looks at Draco who is staring at the box. "You, made this?" He whispers in awe.
"Don't keep us waiting, what is it Draco?" Lucius orders.
"I'd like to know too." Severus replies "Harry refused to show me. All I know is that he was with Albus a lot to get some material advice while in his office during the last week."
Draco looks questioningly "What did you use?"
"Spruce and," Harry blushes "A tail feather of a Shadow Phoenix. That way I could make sure it'll choose you."
"Chose him?" Narcissa asks. "What is it Draco? Come and show us dear."
Draco slowly moves a hand to pick up what is hidden in the box. He's just touching it when a warm gentle light fills the room coming from Draco's hand and after the light fades, everyone can see a wand in his hand. The polished wood looks nearly golden but silver patterns that look a bit like wind blowing over it can be seen. "What's the silver?" Draco asks in awe after the light fades.
"Silver lime." Harry replies "I infused it with the spruce mostly to look nice but it might also give it more power. I also had the feather in Phoenix tears to increase the power for healing spells and used powdered Phoenix talons to strengthen the infusion and ensuring that it will work particularly well against dark magic."
"Impressive." Lucius says after a moment of stunt silence in the room. "May I ask how you got the idea to give him a new wand? Wasn't his own one working fine!"
"It was." Harry replies blushing "But since I used my own feather I can pure in my magic to further strengthen his spells should he ever be in danger. I could even do magic through it and such protect him better."
"You're right Draco." Narcissa chuckles "He is going a little overboard."
"I love it!" Draco says and hugs Harry. "Thanks, this is even better than fathers present was."
Harry just smiles and enjoys the rest of the night with his friend. What he doesn't enjoy is that Severus is discussing Harry's flashing tendency and grounds him to their quarters under constant watch of one of the Phoenixes that agree to help. Luckily for Harry Li, who knew how to make wands as well and had also helped Harry with his research along with Albus, agrees to stay with Draco to protect him in Harry's stead.
The next morning something strange happens though. Harry finds another gift in his room. A brand new Firebolt. Since there is no note attached to it Severus takes it right away to check it in case Sirius Black is trying to use Harry's love for flying to harm him. He does however promise that as long as it's save he'll return the broom in perfect condition again.
At least Harry is free again once Draco is back and he once again spends as much time as possible with Draco. Even dragging Draco to the Quidditch pitch for practice and to Remus for Patronus lessons that still are going rather slowly.
Harry is also flying around every morning and every night.
As usual, the peaceful life doesn't hold on. A few weeks into the new year the third-year Gryffindor boys return to their dorm to find it trashed. Ron's bed is looking particularly bad, the curtains being ripped to shreds. Harry frowns and after Dean calls for the teachers they quickly find out that Black has gotten Neville's list of passwords and once again the castle is searched while Harry is just wondering what Black is doing. An ambush is out since he had gotten in this time and clearly looked for something. But Harry very much doubts it's him considering that only one of the beds is ripped and it isn't his. Sirius also, once again, came when the odds of anyone being there are slim to none.
Harry decides to try and find out the truth. Sirius might be able to sneak past Dementors but to escape a Phoenix should be a lot harder. That night Harry decides to start by befriending the man as Felix.
He flashes to the kitchen and, as Felix, takes a loaf of bread in one talon and a big piece of cheese in the other. Then he focuses on the man he only knows from the prophet and flashes towards him. Seeing that he could find persons easily that way he's surprised to find a huge black dog inside of the shrieking shack instead of a man.
Using his magic however he quickly understands that Black too is an animagus. Felix thrills to get the dogs attention and drops his gifts. The dog carefully sniffs them before he changes back into a skinny man with long shaggy hair. "Thanks." He mumbles eying the bird. "I've seen you in the newspaper. You're Snivellus' Shadow Phoenix. I heard you're hardly around anymore though."
Harry just trills angrily and leaves for now. He does however get the man some more bread and cheese the next evening. Once again, he finds a dog that sniffs the bread and cheese before turning to eat it. "Thanks again." The man says after the first bite. "I thought you'd be mad and wouldn't come back. Or worse lead those Dementors to me." Harry just watches him. It seems the man is desperate to talk to someone. Once Black is done eating he sighs and looks at the bird. "Is he safe? With Snape I mean? Is my little Harry safe?"
The Phoenix looks at him and knowing how sad his trills make people he worries that trilling for confirmation might not be understood correctly and so he bends his long neck in a confirming nod. "You're really sure? Snape and James, Harry's real father you know, they hated each other so much." Sirius sighs "Harry looks so much like my James, I failed keeping him safe. It was my idea that lead to this betrayal. I've got to make sure that Harry is safe at least and now I'm the only one that knows that the traitor is right in his dorm. What if he'll hurt my little Harry too?"
Harry watches him hoping to hear more but after some time the man just thanks him again and turns back into the dog to sleep.
Every night Harry turns into Felix and visits the dog animagus to bring him food and after some time he starts to bring him water too noticing that he had forgotten about it when the man had complained about the dirt in the lake.
It takes a month until Felix sees the dog sneak around the grounds one morning and watches him leave through a passageway along the willow. The next night Felix flashes into the passageway to turn and walk to the man as Harry, trusting him just about enough by now but still unwilling to change in front of him unless necessary. He walks into the room the dog usually rests in and says, "I assume you didn't know that I'm very good in understanding Felix?"
The dog looks up. "For some reason, Felix wanted me to come here and talk to someone, you don't happen to know why?" Harry adds and the dog quickly moves between Harry and the door blocking the exit.
After that he changes and says "Please don't be afraid. I want to protect you."
"Blocking the exit isn't making me feel safe though." Harry replies.
"I'll let you go once I had a chance to explain everything." Sirius explains "I swear I didn't betray your parents. I loved James like a brother he meant the world to me."
"But Remus said you were the secret keeper. And from what he taught me about that spell, no one else could have." Harry points out.
"I know he thinks that but you see, everyone did." Sirius explains "Everyone knew that James would choose me. From all his friends, we were always closest. Harry, everyone knew that including every single death eater. We knew they would be after me and I worried that they'd find a way to make me speak." Sirius looks down sadly "I talked it over with James and Lily and we agreed that the last person they would assume would be Peter. He was the weakest of us. He's never been a fighter, that made him an unlikely choice and due to that safe. It's my fault they picked him. And Peter, he betrayed them. It turns out, Peter has been spying on us all even before that day. I wanted to confront him, to catch him. But then his spell exploded. I thought it went wrong, like I said not much of a fighter. But he tricked us, Harry, he's an animagus too. I saw him in the newspaper he's this kids Rat. He's hiding with Arthur and Molly's youngest son who is your age. He's with you all the time. I had to get out and protect you, please be careful around him even if you don't trust me, please, I can't lose you too!"
Harry watches him for a moment before he asks "If that is all, I'd like to go now."
"Please Harry, I know you have no reason to trust me but please be careful." Sirius begs.
"You said you'd let me go when you are done talking." Harry replies "I will keep in mind what you said but if that is all I want to go."
Sirius steps aside and once Harry is through the door Harry says "Ron's rat is missing but I think I can get Felix to get it. Phoenixes are very good hunter."
"Thank you." Sirius grins a little "But please let Felix do it and not change yourself."
Harry turns to him and stares. "What do you mean?" Harry finally asks.
"I'm sure you figured out how to do it properly by now." Sirius smiles gently "But you seemed to do it on instinct once when you were a year old. You somehow had gotten your little hand on your baby broom that I got you two days before for your birthday. You flew it like a pro. Lily screamed seeing you on it alone and you turned around due to her scream and fell. But instead of hitting the ground, you changed onto a Phoenix. Man, were we shocked. James thought it safer not to tell anyone, I bet he wouldn't even have told me but I was there that day and I was the one that managed to talk you into turning back. I never forget how magnificent you looked. I guess that is how you understand him so well isn't it? I mean I can't talk to dogs but I can usually guess if they want something and understand how they feel and such on instinct. I guess you can do the same with Felix even though he's a bit different. Like another dog race would be for me right?"
"I was a proper Phoenix like Fawkes?" Harry questions.
"Yeah." Sirius says confused "Can't you turn now?"
Harry looks sadly before saying "A shadow Phoenix is the same as a Phoenix, just depressed." After that he changes and flashes before Sirius can comment on his depression. He flashes straight to Peter Pettigrew the same way he went to Sirius and sees the rat in a hallway. He grabs it noticing Draco from the corner of his eyes but flashes to Remus grabbing him with his other talon and flashes to his father. Once there he throws the rat up and creates a magical sphere around the rat and catches it, leaves it on the table before flashing out and walking in as Harry.
Remus and his dad look surprised at him. "I need Veritaserum dad."
"And why would you need that?" Severus questions.
"Because Felix caught Peter Pettigrew alive for me and it seems possible that he was the secret keeper and Sirius might be innocent." Harry deadpans. "I want to make sure of that."
Remus looks at the rat more closely before he breathes "It is him."
"Will the sphere expand when we turn him back, can we even turn him back?" Severus asks.
Harry nods slightly before Remus says "Should work." To keep from Peter that Harry is the Phoenix that caught him.
Severus casts the spell to change the rat and a whimpering plump man appears instead of the rat. "Remus, my old friend." The man says looking scared. The sphere starts to cling to him making movement impossible but the mouth stays free of it now. Severus uses the chance to drop some Veritaserum into the man's open mouth.
"Did James make you his secret keeper?" Remus asks.
"Yes." Comes the clearly reluctant reply before he adds more willingly "But you don't understand the dark Lord has his ways, I was scared I'm sorry but you don't know how powerful he is."
"Did he torture you?" Harry questions curious.
"No." Peter once again has to say before he goes on. "But he would have, you don't know how powerful he is. You don't know what kind of magic he can do."
"Why did you betray the Potters." Severus asks looking at Harry to make sure he learns to be careful with his trust.
"James deserved to die just like Sirius deserves it." Peter is forced to say "Always acting like they were better than the rest of us just because they were a little more powerful than average but they were nothing compared to him."
"He is nothing." Harry replies "And I will kick his ass to hell. But first I go tell Dumbledore to get Fudge here and prove Sirius innocence."
"How did you find out Harry?" Severus questions glaring.
"That is a very long and really boring story." Harry replies innocently "I'll go get Dumbledore." And out he is flashing to the Headmaster a soon as Peter can't see him.
It takes the rest of the night and the next day to get Sirius name cleared and it would be even longer if Albus hadn't interfered.
Once it is cleared Fudge leaves to order the Dementors back to Azkaban and Harry leaves with Remus to get Sirius.
They aren't even there when Harry feels the cold. He starts to run Remus hurrying after him. They are nearly with Sirius when they see the Dementors in the room. "Why are they here? How did they even find him?"
"They are hard to control." Remus replies, "And I don't know how they found him now after all that time."
Remus casts a patronus but there are too many of them. "Run Harry." Remus orders when the first Dementors try to get to them.
"Remus" Harry mumbles "I can't leave him, he did so much for me."
Harry remembers that smile when Sirius had talked about how he had first turned. Sirius had always loved him. Just like Draco and Severus do now but Sirius always had. Then the thought about Severus came. No one could kill a Phoenix, but had anyone ever tried to take the soul? Would Harry have to live for eternity without a soul and if that was the case, what would it do to Severus? He can't let that happen. His friend Draco loved him, Sirius had loved him for so long and Severus, he loved him so much and cared for him from the second Harry had come to him. Harry smiles thinking about being loved so much. How could he let anyone harm him or his friend when he was loved so much by so many great people.
"Expecto Patronus" he says focusing on the feeling of being loved rather than one specific memory and is not even holding a wand and rather willing his magic to do as he wants and the next moment the Dementors are gone. Some managed to flee others looked like they had disappeared in the light that comes from Harry and slowly starts to take the shape of a stag, a dog, a wolf, two snakes and a doe. There also still is light coming from him and wings made from the same light sprout from his back. Slowly the light fades and Harry runs towards the room were Sirius was. "Sirius." He say's and sees the man stare at him.
"Harry?" Sirius says and faints.
"Should I flash him to dad or Pomfrey?" Harry questions worriedly.
"Your dad." Remus replies "Pomfrey doesn't know you can flash and take me along."
Severus grumbles when he sees them flash an unconscious Sirius Black into his private quarter but pours a pepper up down the man's throat anyway. "What happened?" Severus asks afterwards.
"Harry?" Sirius mumbles opening his eyes and stirring a little before he slowly rises to sit up on the couch where Harry had flashed him on.
"A few dementors." Harry replies with a slight blush, "Nothing to worry, I had Remus with me."
"And Harry managed to finally learn the Patronus charm to perfection!" Remus replies, "Just in time I might add, there were just about a hundred Dementors."
"Harry," Sirius says a little more strength in his voice, "Why are you depressed enough to be a Shadow Phoenix? Was it the Dursley's? Is that why you couldn't stay with them and had to live with Sni…. Snape? Please tell me I'm wrong please tell me it's not my fault for not catching Peter or defending myself better so I could raise you Please!"
"It's not your fault." Harry says before looking at Remus, "Is that how they found him? The guilt? They love despair, don't they?"
"Yes," Remus replies, "It's possible. The only reason he probably stayed as sane as he did and managed to escape is because he always knew he was innocent and that kept him going. But blaming himself for you being….upset, could change that!"
"Upset?" Sirius grumbles, "Remi he's a bloody shadow Phoenix."
"And again," Severus grumbles, "How on earth does he know that and Harry, I think I'd also like to hear that so called boring story on how on earth you knew about Pettigrew!"
Harry looks from one of them to the other before looking at Sirius, "I'm getting better really I don't know why I don't turn into a proper Phoenix again! I thought it couldn't change by now since I am happy!"
"You'll turn into a proper Phoenix when you learn what true happiness even means and now quit distracting!" Severus growls.
"That bad?" Sirius asks Severus shocked. "What does it mean know what happiness means, what did those muggles do to him?"
"Made him try and kill himself!" Remus replies.
"I only wanted to hurt myself…a little, so they'd like me." Harry says and at Sirius' confused as well as upset look adds, "They said Dudley, their son, was a good boy whenever he hurt me!"
"Harry, you could have died and you knew and even hoped to go to your parents!" Severus grumbles, "And now explain how he knows and how you knew and don't pretend you don't know what I mean!"
"Okay maybe I didn't mind dying then, but that was still not the goal." Harry points out "And anyway, I don't want that anymore! I actually am careful, very careful!"
"And flashing to talk to a known felon who was assumed to be here to kill you was careful how?" Sirius asks.
"He did WHAT?" Severus shouts.
"I was Felix!" Harry quickly points out. "He couldn't know it was me and I most certainly didn't know that he knew that I could even turn into a Phoenix since apparently I did when I was a year and two days old!"
"You talked to him?" Severus asks outraged, "You went out of your way to see him and TALK to him?"
"I was Felix, kept my distance and let him talk and could have flashed away any second you know I can flash faster than a spell travels! You couldn't hit me with one when I was five what makes you think he could now?" Harry defends himself. "I only went as Harry, not letting him see me flash, when I knew from what he said that there was something he kept and that he wanted to protect me not kill me and I already knew that he couldn't be after me because honestly, he broke in during dinner each time! He came when no one was around, pretty stupid if you want to kill a kid that is most likely going to eat something!"
"It's BLACK!" Severus thunders, "He is stupid!"
"Apparently not considering that it was perfect to search for a pet rat. Just that said rat was already hiding even from Ron." Harry replies, "Honestly, I was perfectly safe and even though Sirius turned out to know more than I thought he could, he did NOT know that I can flash without turning!"
"You can?" Sirius asks. "And now, what exactly did those muggles do? And who do I have to thank for their death?"
"It wasn't all that bad." Harry says, "No reason to be upset Sirius, I'm fine, I've got…" He quiets, feeling Draco trying to reach out to him by touching the necklace right before hearing his name said in Draco's voice in his head. "Draco…" Harry says paling and is gone in a flash.
"Draco what?" Sirius asks confused, "Where did he go?"
Harry flashes right onto Draco's bad with drawn curtains. Draco is sitting on his bed looking upset, "Would you care to explain why I see you catch a rat one night and then disappear for ages without an explanation when even Uncle Severus isn't seen by anyone anywhere around the castle and THAT on a Monday were even his classes needed to be cancelled?"
With a sigh, Harry relaxes, "I thought something happened to you when you called."
"And I thought something might have happened to you!" Draco grumbles. "Now talk!"
Harry smiles and lies down on Draco's bed before he starts to explain everything that had happened including how he had visited Black being a Phoenix. He once again has to explain why he believed it was perfectly safe to do so. He's just getting to the part where he and Remus had found the Dementors around his godfather when the curtains are pulled open and Severus is glowering at them, "I have no idea how you sneaked your friend in Mister Malfoy but Gryffindors are not allowed down here. Follow me for punishment, both of you!"
Harry and Draco follow him and Harry is looking around, for the first time seeing the rest of the dungeon rooms and even waves at a mermaid that is peeking into the room from one of the underwater windows. The only good thing is that it's still a few months before summer and the odds that he may go to the games with Draco are good.
Authors Note: Next chapter will be called "The beginning of the end" and as you can guess this story will come to an end soon. But the epilogue I'm still thinking about is coming along I have a few ideas how to possibly fix the biggest problem I had which was that Harry would eventually lose everyone since I made him immortal. But if some of you have a good idea let me know, it could be better. I also got a great idea from a guest reviewer that I will definitely put in it but it doesn't have much to do with the general problem and is just a really fun little detail. Anyway, if you have ideas, please do let me know about it. One of my ideas is to let him do what Nicolas Flamel was able to do and get a Philosophers stone which he'll hide on his own body to make sure it stays safe under his constant watch and it would be hard to steal form someone who instantly feels if a magical object is taken from him due to his magic. Or should there be a way to let at least some people be turned into a Phoenix changing them to be more like him again? Or would you prefer if Harry finds a way to end the immortality and let him and at least some of the others move on to the afterlife as I assume at least the first would probably prefer. And what about Severus? Godric Gryffindor hasn't made a move or even turned in front of Severus since the initial talk they had. Should he try and get his snarky snake or stay in the background having made a joke or just enjoyed a moment to remember his Salazar but not willing to "replace" him. Also, if Harry does find a way to make others immortal rather than losing it, who should be made immortal? Everyone from his family? Children grandchildren and so on included for all eternity?
But for the more current problems, who will help Mouldy come back is Peter was caught? Will Harry still be in the tournament? Will Moody be around? The real one I mean? Will Sirius stay on Severus' good side and manage to stop himself from saying a wrong word or will they soon fight in front of Harry? Will Sirius force the truth about the relationship between James and Severus to come out and just how mean his real father had been to his adoptive one? And will Harry ever get to hear the talk or will he stay an innocent little boy? And who will be the one to give him said talk? Severus or Godric or will Sirius bet them both to the punch? And is Harry right in the assumption that he'll get to go to the games or will he once again spend a summer grounded because of an overprotective dad?