(38) The Flower's Shield *

Sirius glanced around as he heard knocking & saw James standing in the doorway. They shared a long silent look. Sirius couldn't believe James was still alive, standing here before him after all these years.

James crossed his arms & leaned on the door post. "How is he?"

Sirius glanced back at Remus lying in bed, sleeping. They were in the hospital since the wolf had collapsed. James stayed in the doorway, looking on. "He'll be ok," Sirius petted back the greying bangs from the scarred face.

"I can't even begin to imagine how it was for you," James said. "Being separated from him for twelve years. It's all my fault."

"Orion is not your fault," Sirius said.

"No, he isn't," James agreed. "But after escaping at last two years later, I really should have tried harder to find out the truth."

"Hey, you went after your son instead," Sirius shrugged. "I'd have done the same thing." He stood up, closed the curtains & came to the door. "On the other hand, switching Bloodclaw & Peter around & using a slave crown...Jim that's very dark magic."

"I know," James sighed. "I had nothing & no one. All that mattered to me was Harry & in a sense, Peter. I did that so Orion wouldn't get his hands on him to."

"Now you have the power of the entire Ministry Of Magic behind you."

James moaned softly. "I hate it. I didn't want to think about it at all."

Sirius shook his head. "You think about it all the time. That's why these are here," He put a hand on James's lower arm. "Prongs, when I saw them upstairs, I nearly fainted. You have so much more than when I last saw you. So much!" James just shrugged. "You really should have a councillor on hand. Please take what Fudge gives you."

"It won't make a difference," James pulled away. "It won't undo anything."

"Oh Jim. I know it's hard going public with this," Sirius said. "That's what you really hate."

"Only to keep you safe," said James.

Sirius blinked a few times, feeling a few tears fall. "I know." He took James's hands into his own. "I know. But part of me wishes I still face Dementors. I hate seeing you hurt."

"Oh & seeing you with Dementors won't hurt me?" James laughed derisively. "I took the road with less pain is all."

They stood silently for nearly ten minutes. "Once we get rid of Orion," Sirius suddenly added. "We can ...uh...well, switch the graves around."

"I've never gone to visit her," James admitted. "Not even once. I know Orion's watching the place. He cut me off, from everything & everyone."

"Shh," Sirius hushed. "It's almost over & you're no longer alone." He looked back at Remus as he fumbled with something in his pocket. He handed over a small vial. "Drink this. It will help clear …" Sirius hesitated, glancing at the bruise. "Well, that anyway," He lamely waved a hand at it. "I uh ...sorry."

James snorted as he downed the potion. "I'd be mad too, if our places were reversed. It's the Black temper we both have. You have one hell of a punch!"

"I shouldn't have done it," Sirius defended. "I was no different than Orion."

"Technically, he back-handed me," James tried to console him, handing back the empty vial. "So it was different."

"Thanks," Sirius muttered, still acting like a hurt pathetic puppy. "Thanks for covering for me too."

"Padfoot," James began. "I know that's not how you meant it. You were just shocked is all. Forget it."

"I should have known you had a good reason," Sirius went on. "I over-reacted way too much."

"Well, it's the ..." James began & Sirius helped him finish. "Black temper."

James stepped away from Sirius. "I promised Harry I'd see him before leaving. I'll see you at the meeting at the Ministry." He turned to leave. "Oh & uh, try not to kill Peter before you leave." Sirius just scowled as James left to look for Harry.

Harry was lying on the grass as the warm sun shone down on him. Sirius, who had come to join him while Remus rested, was out in the open for the first time in twelve years. They were down by the lake & Sirius finally confessed that he was the one who had sent the Firebolt using Crookshanks. They were soon joined by an Elk Stag that had come trotting in the shallows towards them. The Stag stopped short & stared at them, ears forward. Sirius & Harry stood up.

"You should wait for the Dementors," Sirius said, then rolled his eyes. "Wow, I can't believe I just said that."

"It'll be ok, Dad."

"Orion's time is at an end," Sirius added.

"Padfoot? Who are you talking to?"

Sirius & Harry glanced around. There stood James, dressed in his Full Auror's black uniform with his cape shifting slightly in the breeze, on the stone steps leading down to the boathouse. Harry suddenly understood what James had meant about being dressed for battle...& James was still fighting that war. Harry noticed that the black lump was nearly gone. Only a red streak where the cut had been was still there.

"Ah, ok. I thought you...uh," Sirius stammered.

James put a gloved hand to his neck. "Prongs has white on his throat." Then he indicated his left wrist. "Plus a white & yellow ringlet over his front left hoof. Oh & new feature, black stockings on his front legs from my arm bands."

"Right," Sirius blinked, turning back to the Stag still in the shallows. It lowered it's antlers as if to charge. "What do we do now?"

"Don't move a muscle," James hissed under breath as the Stag stampeded a few steps one way, then switched direction.

"We won't," Sirius put a hand on Harry. "We won't."

"And don't yell!"

"OK!" Sirius huffed, then yawned.

"Wait 'til I say go."

"Say what?" Sirius mumbled.

"Go," James rolled his eyes.

"YES!" Sirius took off with Harry close behind & a moment later, so did the Stag charging after them.

"NO!" James wailed. He could only stand by & watch as the enraged wild Stag began charging. "There goes the Stag."

"DA—OH MERDE!" Harry flipped right over, changing directions, screaming the French word for shit a few more times.

"There goes my fawn."

"JAMES DO SOMETHING!" Sirius was running wildly as the Stag came for him.

"There goes my Grim," James shook his head & transformed just as the wild deer spotted him. Prongs stood on his hind legs & ran forwards a few paces, crashing down antler against antler. There was horrifying clash that sent sleepy owls screaming into the air. The wild Stag took off. He didn't have over a thirty-point spread. James shifted back & wobbled. "Owww!" He cracked his back. "I'm too old for this!" He rubbed his head. "YOU PRATS!"

"Sorry," Sirius panted as he came back. "I thought it was you."

James just rolled his eyes, then glared at Harry. "Mind your French!" Harry just scoffed.

"You two are going to be late if you don't get back to the castle," Remus called out to them as he slowly came down.

"Go back to bed," Sirius, James & Harry ordered.

"I'm fine," Remus waved them away with one hand. "I can't sleep. Too excited right now. The worst of the pains are gone." He stretched out one hand, closing the fingers so that the knuckles cracked. "Besides, I had to give Ron & Peter some space. Peter's explaining to him what you," Remus punched James in the chest. "did to him. I still can't believe it. I get why but, oh well, whatever now."

"Perhaps it's best if I stay down here," Sirius muttered.

"Careful," James said. "He can order you to talk to Peter, you know."

Sirius & Remus shared a glance. "Uh, um, I'm not the Alpha any more. I'm the Omega."

"Yeah I don't need that kind of information," James glared.

"He means it," Sirius put in. "Remus hasn't been in control of this pack for a few months."

"So you took over then?"

"Um," Sirius blinked like an owl before going on. "No. I think I'll...uh I should definitely say no."

"So who's the leader?" James glanced between the two.

"I am." Everyone looked around at the new voice. Harry stood above them on the hill. "I'm your Alpha."

"Wait I'm confused," James began.

Sirius explained & James just stared at Harry the whole time. His son? The Alpha. Harry came down the hill & nodded towards Remus "You tamed him well. He held back from killing me."

Everyone stared at Harry. James forced himself to remember how to breathe. "You?" James spluttered. The next moment, a stag braying his arse off was rolling around on the ground. James soon reappeared, wrapping both arms around his sides. "I haven't laughed so hard in a long time! I needed that."

"It's about time for you two to leave," Remus hinted. "The twelve Dementors are waiting by the Stone Circle to escort you into Hogsmeade so you can apparate. Sirius will leave after the Dementors are gone. It's best if they don't stay around him any more."

"Why are you going?" Harry asked.

"I have to be officially acquitted," Sirius said. "Plus I have my own charges against my father to press. He was often drunk. Very abusive father." He scoffed. "In more ways then one." Then he pulled Harry aside & whispered. "I also have to find a place to stash that hippogriff for Hagrid until he sorts things out."

"Hagrid will be glad for your help," Harry said as they turned back to Remus & James.

"Harry, I don't know how you did it, but thanks for getting me out of there last night," Sirius began.

"About last night Harry," Remus cut in. "I think I might be going a bit mental. It seems like I saw you in two places at once. Moony demands to know."

"Don't be silly Moony," Harry fought hard to keep his face straight. "How can anyone be in two places at once?"

"Well if they're messing with time after watching too many Star Trek shows," Remus said.

"I never watched Star Trek."

"Blasphemous," Remus grumbled.

Harry & Sirius shared a look. "Let's go," Sirius said, leading Harry up the hill towards the castle. James & Remus followed behind & were soon in an argument over Trek versus Wars. Suddenly, Sirius & Harry whirled around as there was a ferocious hiss & yelping as Remus & James both tumbled heads over heels back down the hill. Sirius burst out laughing. "Did you use the Force, Jim? Or was it Vulcan power?"

James & Remus shared a glance, then both made rude hand signs. "Take that!"

"Yeah, literally!" Sirius shot back, still laughing. "From both of you." He rolled around, roaring as Harry slammed his eyes shut & shook his head.

Remus hissed again, glaring at James who had already started to climb up. "Would you like to kill him or should I?"

"Well you know what they say," James had the nerve to wink. "First come. First serve!" Remus glared gold.

"OK THAT IS IT!" Harry put his hands up & walked hurriedly away. "I'm done. I'm going away now. Sweet Merlin, someone please tell me I'm adopted. PLEASE!"

Sirius was still rolling around, crying. It was with great effort that Harry refrained from hurting him on his way by. Remus however, kicked Sirius hard, then put a hand down to haul him up. James left the pair to sort it out as he took off after Harry. He found the boy sitting on a log at the far end of the covered bridge leading towards the Stone Circle. Even from here, the chill of the waiting Dementors slowly seeped through the air.

James scratched the left side of his head as he stood beside Harry. "You ok?" He had a big stupid grin on his face that Harry desperately wanted to smack off.

"I'm fine," Harry scowled.

James sighed, staring down the bridge towards the Dementors. "I don't regret that year with him."

"That's fine. That isn't the issue," Harry said. "I've just had it up to here," he put a hand over his head. "With your double meanings is all. That book of yours is enough for a while."

There was a long silence as James scratched his head again. "Harry—"

"Oh that reminds me," Harry shot James a nasty look. "Thanks for ruining half the classes in Hogwarts."

"What do you mean?"

Harry glared at him. "Flitwick with the dance. Remus & don't even get me started on McGonagall's firm breasts."

"Ohhhh that!" James grinned sheepishly.

"Yes, that!" Harry moaned. "Especially McGonagall." James doubled over laughing, hands on knees. "I hate you."

"Good," James gasped. "Means I'm doing something right!" Harry just continued to glare. When James had finally composed himself, he suddenly went somber. "Harry, promise me you'll burn it. Sirius is as good as free now. That diary is no longer needed."

"Yeah, I'll get rid of it."

"Thanks," said James. "I never wanted anyone else to know, least of all you. But I guess there's no choice now."

"It'll work out," Harry said. "You're right. Orion won't leave you alone. He'll only get what he deserves."

"If only I had killed him," James hesitated before adding. "Your mother might be with us now if I had." He began scratching vigorously.

"Velveting out?" Harry asked.

"Yeah it's starting," James grumbled. "My horns are almost finished growing & the velvet's starting to itch. Most of it will come off in the fall but there is so much & my horns have so many points now. There's this one clump that's wedged between three points that I can't reach. I've tried every size of tree but...I, uh..." He stared at Harry for a long moment. Harry swallowed dryly, feeling that he was about to do something ridiculous. James pulled out his wand & flicked it into a knife blade. He held each end in front of him & made a scraping motion like a carpenter planing wood. "You can do that. Just have to knock it out. You can't miss it. The thing's all bloody & red. Don't worry about hurting me. It itches too much for Prongs to care. Just get it off please?" He handed over the wand & stood up. Prongs was soon standing before Harry.

"You've got to be joking!" Harry gaped at him. Prongs swung his big head back & forth, then knelt down with the left antler facing Harry. Sure enough, an oozing mass of velvet clung desperately in the center of three fuzzy points. "This is very gross!" Prongs glared at him with one eye, bleating. Harry groaned. Prongs shook his head, trying to get the itching sensation off. Harry stabbed with the blade & scraped. The velvet mass suddenly went flying.

"Thank you," James breathed a moment later. He took back his wand. "Oh that feels so much better."

"Don't mention it," Harry shook his head, hoping he'd never have to do that again.

"I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when I reach eighty or some ridiculous age like that," James went on. "I'm looking into a potion or something to stop the velvet. I'm getting too many points to rub them off properly now."

"Can you do that? Stop a natural process?"

"Muggle women have birth control pills," James shrugged. "Can't be that hard." Harry made a face. They had somehow gotten back to a subject that could easily swing back into sex. As predicted, James suddenly asked. "Hey, you have a girlfriend yet?"

"No," Harry instantly thought of Cho Chang for some stupid reason.

"Sorry. Boyfriend then?"

Harry glared. "From you!"

"Well that red-headed fellow you hang out with seems like a nice guy."

"James Prongs Potter, we are not having this conversation right now, ok?"

"Ooo!" James winked. "Not even a 'Dad' there. Ok I'll shut up."

"Please do."

James sat down on a large boulder next to Harry. "You know I'll be fine with whoever you end up with ok? In our world, it doesn't matter who you love, just the type of blood for most people. But not even that bothers me."

Harry half-smiled. "Yeah, I know Dad."

"Just do try to not pick up any werewolves," James grinned. "One moon mutt is demanding enough."

"Sure thing," Harry snickered, knowing James was just being stupid. But then Harry thought of something. "Actually I probably shouldn't date any wolves. It might mess with Remus, what with territories & ranks."

"Hmm perhaps," James shrugged. "By the way, Dumbledore wants to talk to you before getting on the train tomorrow morning," He went on, sliding off the rock. They began to make their way across the bridge. Harry nodded as he shivered suddenly. He put a hand to his wand. James stopped walking. "They won't hurt us. I heard about that Patronus you did. Only Remus could have taught you something like that."

"I almost didn't get the lessons," Harry said.

"I'm glad you did," said James. "It would have destroyed me if they had gotten to both you & Sirius. I'm curious though, how ever did you manage it? Apparently it came to you from across the lake?"

"Um yeah," Harry stammered. "It bounded around a bit."

James raised a brow. "Moony isn't the only one who saw double last night. Prongs did to. You were throwing rocks at Moony, which by the way was bloody barmy of you (Harry just rolled his eyes.) & you were with Hermione & Buckbeak in the forest. You were messing with time, weren't you?"

Harry expected to be in trouble, but James was grinning at him. "Hermione took on too many classes …"

"Brilliant," James laughed. "You thought it was me? I would have gone to help of course, if I had known they'd attack you, but I was already long gone with Moony before he ate you."

"It's been an interesting night," Harry yawned a bit. "More than twenty four hours in a day."

They heard someone else coming across the bridge. Sirius stopped a few feet away from them, staring passed towards the Dementors. He would go no further until they were gone. "Remus is packing up. He'll meet us in London later."

"Packing up?" Harry asked.

"Yeah," Sirius nodded. "We'll be going back to Cherbourg in a few days for a bit."

"Where's that?" asked Harry.

"In France," answered James. "It's the last port the Titanic docked in before heading out to disaster."

Sirius tried not to roll his eyes. "Don't worry Harry, we'll be back very soon."

"You have twelve years to catch up on," James smiled a moment before turning towards the Dementors. He marched resolutely towards them.

Harry felt cold, not from the beasts, but from watching his father enter a swarm of them. Sirius put a hand on his shoulder. "He'll be alright. If there is one man on this Earth that won't be affected by those things, it's Jim. Even I would rather not be around them. I've said my goodbyes ages ago." He managed a weak laugh.

They watched the swarm move towards Hogsmeade even though James had disappeared into their center & was not seen again. Sirius soon followed at a distance as Harry finally returned to the castle. He went straight to Lupin's office. The moment he walked into the room, Harry knew something was wrong. Lupin wasn't just packing up for a much-needed get-away romantic weekend with his mate, he was destroying things in the fire & clearing out the desk.

"You've been sacked!"

"No, resigned actually."

"Why?"

"Snape's in a real mood," Lupin said. "He was already wounded from having Sirius get away from him again. But when he heard that Jim is still alive, he went mental. Not long after that, someone let slip the nature of my condition. By this time tomorrow the owls will be arriving. Parents won't want ...someone like me teaching their children. Let's just say I'm used to it."

Harry stared at him. Lupin threw a few papers in the fire. "But Moony didn't attack me."

"You're lucky he didn't," said Lupin. "You're the only pup born into this pack. You're Jim's son. Those are the only reasons. He was quite mad at you a while ago. I nearly lost all control of him."

"But you didn't," Harry repeated. "I'm fine."

"It could have easily turned a whole lot worse," Lupin sighed tiredly as he put a few books away. He smiled apologetically at Harry. "I've looked worse, believe me." He looked down & laughed."Wormtail, you've gotten lazy over the years." He picked up a large rat & put it aside.

The rat jumped to the floor a moment before Peter appeared. "I wonder who's fault that is?"

"You can't stay mad at Jim forever," Remus tried.

"Watch me," Peter retorted. "Sirius is doing it to me. Jim's fault. Again."

"I'll work on Sirius," Remus gave up.

"You do that."

"What will you do then?" Harry asked.

Peter glanced at him, then turned to Remus. "Am I allowed to talk to him or what?"

Remus gave him a long hard look. "Peter ..."

"The last time I did that, Sirius nearly bit my head off."

"Peter, please try to understand, we thought you had destroyed us. Anyway, I'm not Sirius," Remus went on. "To be honest, I was quite appalled at what he told me. I thought you dead at his hands all these years. He thought you betrayed us. I had trouble believing that. You were usually off on your own. The quiet one. Shy & timid, just like most rats. I should have known something was amiss when Zephyra came out of nowhere & took an interest in you. Why do you think I gave up the Alpha rank without a fuss?"

Both Peter & Harry scoffed loudly. Peter said, "That isn't what I saw."

"What, you saw? How?" Remus asked.

"I was ordered to tail Harry wherever he went, remember?" Peter pointed up above their heads. "I was on those beams up there, looking down as Harry ripped the Alpha rank from you. It was so terrifying to watch," he went on. "That I nearly broke through the spells just to drop on you & keep you away from Harry. Once that Map came out though, I had to make a run for it, no thanks to you & Sirius."

Remus pouted like a reproachful dog getting scolded. "I've made such a mess of everything. Nearly killed my own mate. Took part in trying to kill you. Moony nearly lost it on Harry. I ought to be banished really."

Peter laughed. "That would confuse the hell out of everyone! The whole point of the Marauders is—"

Harry, Remus & Peter said at the same time, "Protect the werewolf."

"Yes, I know," Remus said. "I never asked for any one to do that."

Peter finally addressed Harry. "I'm leaving. Bloodclaw is very messed up from being forced out & stuck taking over my entire life. My Spirit & I are no longer on equal terms. I'm going to find others from the Algonquin tribe to see if we can fix him. I'd rather not do a Tribal Summons if I don't have to."

There was a clatter as Remus let a suitcase fall open to the floor. Peter & Harry stared at him. "Ohh!" Remus seemed to have discovered something. "Oh no no no no!" He put his hands to his forehead, a humourless smile spreading over his lips. "No ...no. Not poss…no."

"Uh ... Moony?" Peter shared a look with Harry.

Remus fell hard into his chair. "Peter, I think you should make amends with Jim."

"Maybe some day."

"No," Remus said. "Now."

"Why?"

"It was Jim. Not Sirius. Back in our Sixth Year. Jim was the one who did the Tribal Summons."

Harry made sure his mouth was clamped shut. The less he spoke of that diary, the better. But Remus was spot on at last. Peter just glared at the wolf. "How do you figure? Sirius is the gormless one for such things."

"Sirius wasn't ...wasn't raped." An awful silence followed those words.

"You think Orion messed up Swift Horn?" Peter finally asked.

"Oh I'm positive," Remus answered. "Ever since then, Jim's powers have never been the same. You saw him up in that office. He needs neither wand or word for anything even though he never got the extra training. He said Voldemort himself ought to fear him. I believe it. Peter, he had no fear when he said that. I bet you anything, Swift Horn tried to rip from Jim after it happened & Jim did the Summons to try fixing him."

Harry inched slowly to the door. Remus had guessed everything correctly, but Harry would rather not talk about it more. Peter folded his arms. "Orion ruined everything. I hope to Merlin he gets caught for what he did! I wouldn't wish his abuse on my worst enemy, which incidentally I feel is James at the moment. I hate what happened to him."

"We all do," Remus said quietly. "You should talk to him. I think he may know a thing or two about a damaged Spirit."

"There's too much bad blood between Jim, Sirius & I," Peter said. "I'm going to my tribal ancestors first. Don't give me the 'pathetic puppy' look!"

Remus stood up & began pacing. "My entire pack is falling apart again. This time for real. Everyone hates everyone else. We're all going our separate ways. Again."

"I don't hate you," Peter said. "You're the only one I can get along with really. I can't even be around Harry without Sirius getting his hackles up & I can never look Jim in the eye again after what he did to me. Really Remus, out of the five of us, you & Lily were my real friends. Not Jim or Sirius. You two were right in the Shack about one thing. I do tend to follow the toughest crowd. But I think I learned that by accident. You're the one who rescued me out of the tree in our First Year when that gang was picking on me. You were a friend to me first before anyone else, even Lily. You just happened to be friends with those three as well."

Remus laughed dryly. "Lily didn't get along with James at all at first & Sirius was always picking on her. I was the only one she was nice to until you joined our ranks."

"The three of us made up our own little gang," added Peter.

"Sirius & Jim helped you with your Animagic," Remus pointed out.

"They did that for you, not for being my friends," Peter said. "Honestly, if you weren't the werewolf, I probably never would have gotten involved with Tribal Power."

"So stay then," Remus tried not to beg. "For me."

"Mhm," Peter shook his head. "But I'll come back for you." Eyes gold, Remus lowered his head & whined. Peter sighed. "Just be glad that the biggest bully, as you & Sirius put it, is on our side. Can you imagine the horrors our side would suffer if James had gone Dark?"

Remus stared at him. Harry felt cold. He hated thinking of it, but Peter was right. James Potter could make a worse Dark Lord than Voldemort. Harry remembered against his will how he had been afraid of James when he had a sorcery seizure. It all came back to Orion. Always Orion.

Peter petted Remus's head, then offered a piece of chocolate. "Goodbye, old fleabag. It isn't forever." He turned & marched past Harry. Remus whined under breath as the door closed behind Peter with a reverberating thud, ringing in the empty hall of the classroom.

Remus eventually went back to his desk. "Oh Harry?" he began. "As I am no longer your teacher, I have no problem giving this back to you. Mischief managed!" The Map spread over the desk, wiped itself clean & folded up. Remus repacked the fallen suitcase with a flick of his wand as Dumbledore came in to announce that the carriage to Hogsmeade was ready. Remus tucked an envelope under his cloak, then gave Harry's hair a pat. "Don't worry. I'll be seeing you again quite soon, I'm sure." At that, he left just as suddenly as Peter had, leaving Harry alone with Dumbledore.

Dumbledore smiled at Harry before saying, "Quite the turn of events."

"Yeah," Harry still couldn't believe it. He was suddenly part of a wolf pack, found a Godfather he never knew about; but most importantly, his real father was still alive.

"While I am glad that your father is still with us, I am quite sorry to know why he is," Dumbledore went on. "Orion Black was never a nice person. I knew he had upset your father somehow when Orion happened to visit his younger son one day many years ago."

Harry caught Dumbledore's eye & in that moment, he knew. He didn't know how Dumbledore managed it, but Harry knew that Dumbledore had known what had truly happened to his father for a while, even before the meeting in his office. "I'm glad the entire Ministry will be looking for him now."

"Yes," Dumbledore agreed. "Then the real work begins, what with charging him & all. Most importantly, what happens to you though."

"Peter & Bloodclaw don't like what my Dad did to him," Harry said. "I'd rather it didn't happen either, but Dad was just trying to keep us both out of Orion's hands."

"Such things take time," said Dumbledore. "But I mean you, personally. Harry, your father may be alive but ..." He stopped for several moments & then, he told him. Harry was sitting in Lupin's chair, glowering by the time Dumbledore had finished. "I didn't want to tell you right away. Too young. I thought I had time. But your father shares no blood with Lily & neither does Sirius. Until you're seventeen, you have to stay with your Aunt. I've already spoken to James about it. He agrees. Whatever protection you can have against Orion, the better. That man is still at large right now."

"Dad said more than once that Petunia's a...well... bitch."

Dumbledore stared at him. "All four Marauders have varying degrees of a mean streak in them, including Remus & I'm not referring to his Lycan symbiont either. Your aunt has taken you in & taken care of you all these years. She may be ...a bit grudging...about it, but at least she isn't Orion Black."

"I guess not," Harry muttered.

Dumbledore hesitated a moment. "What of your Uncle & cousin? Have you had certain problems with either of them?"

"No," Harry shook his head. "They would never try that on me. They're afraid of my powers. But even if they weren't, I don't see either Dudley or Uncle Vernon behaving like that at all."

"Just to be safe, if that ever changes, of course we'll have no choice but to remove you from such an environment but in the meantime, I expect you will continue to show your aunt the same respect as before until hopefully your seventeenth birthday," Dumbledore went on. "Never mind what your father says."

"Will I at least see my father or Sirius?"

"Of course, eventually," Dumbledore said. "Both will be allowed full visitation rights, Remus to. There's no law against that. But they'll focus on bringing Orion in first, then they're free to see you any time without leading him to you."

"That could take years."

"Actually, Orion should be apprehended rather soon," said Dumbledore. "You see, James had never gone after him before. He simply led Orion around, keeping him away from you. But now with his cousin & friends with him again, they'll have Orion cornered in no time. Orion's weakness is Sirius & he uses James to get at Sirius in any way he can."

Harry took the Map. "I better go pack."

"Yes that would be a good idea," said Dumbledore. "Goodnight."

The first thing Harry saw when he entered the dorms, was Hermione sitting on an armchair with her legs tucked under her. She was reading a book. Harry felt a tremor go through him as he moved towards her. He wondered how much he could say right now outside the promise between him & Peter. Of course, soon as the Daily Prophet showing that story would come out, it would no longer matter, but he felt he had to prepare her, Ron to, for it.

"Hermione?"

"Harry," She glanced up at him. "What's wrong?"

"Where's Ron?"

"Right here," Ron said behind him. "Peter spoke to me but he couldn't explain too much about what happened. He said something happened with your dad but he can't say what but it will be out soon."

Harry bit his lip for a moment. "Could you both come with me? We need to talk." He brought them down the hall & into the tiny room behind the tapestry. "I'm not sure how much I can say now," He quickly explained the Wizard Promise. "Something happened to Dad, involvi—well, can't say much. Something ...um…" Damn the spell! Harry thought wildly. "Something ...not right." He stopped & could say no more.

Hermione waited a bit. "What? Or is it the bond?"

"Yeah," Harry eyed Ron. An idea was coming to him & so far it seemed to by-pass Peter's spell. He couldn't say anything, but he could hint. He stepped close to Ron. "Something ...not right." Suddenly, he had one hand on Ron's hip, then quickly moved down & over.

"Wh..HEY! WHOA!" Ron leaped aside. "What are you doing?!"

"Something not right," Harry tried again. He stared helplessly at Ron. "I'm sorry, but I can't say more. But does that give you a clue?"

"You fancy blokes? It's cool with me, but I prefer girls," Ron made sure to stay away from Harry.

"Oh, wrong clue," Harry sighed exasperatedly. "I don't think I like guys & there is nothing wrong with liking a guy. I said, something not right, so it isn't that. It was about my Dad."

"Harry," Hermione gasped. Harry turned to her. She got it. She understood. "Are you saying ...Harry. Was your father…?"

"I'm not at liberty to say. I can say that several times," Harry shrugged. "Yeah several times." He had twisted it but Hermione understood.

"Ohh!" Hermione gasped, clasping both hands to her face.

"What?" Ron asked. "What's going on?"

In one breath, Hermione answered. "Harry's Dad was raped!" Ron gaped at her. "More than once!" She finished as Harry looked away towards the ceiling. It wasn't his problem they were figuring it out on their own. The bond with Peter could do nothing about actions. It was a simple yet infuriating charm. He really had to focus hard to get the point across. As they had only guessed at it, the charm still didn't lift. Harry wished he could talk to his two best friends openly but he just couldn't right now.

"Ra—Harry!" Ron turned to him. "By who? Can you at least say that? BY WHO?" Ron was furious.

"Uhh," Harry focused on the answer. "I'll try."

"Orion," Hermione guessed & Harry looked up at the ceiling again. "You mentioned that name in the Shack. Who is that?"

That was easy. It had nothing to do with any Wizard's Promise. "Sirius's dad."

"OH MY GOD!" Hermione exclaimed, once more having both hands on her face. Ron slid down the wall & sat on the floor. Hermione was crying. "Harry, how long have you known?"

Harry looked at the back of the tapestry. "I've known Remus was a werewolf since before Christmas. I've known a lot of things since before then."

"Oh Harry!" Hermione gasped. "Is it when you had that really bad headache?"

"Yeah."

"No wonder you didn't go to the hospital wing," Ron said. "It wasn't the type anyone could fix."

"Nope," Harry shook his head. "Ron, sorry about the grab. I was trying to work around this Wizard's Promise thing."

"Yeah yeah, I get it," Ron waved it away with one hand. "Just... never mention it again."

"Ok. I'll be able to speak about it better once it all comes out," Harry said. "Good night." He ducked under the tapestry & headed for bed.

Harry sat on his bed, the Cloak lying next to his pillow, Hedwig perched on the window sill & his half-packed trunk open nearby on the floor. He had scooped up most of his things in one big hug & had just dropped everything in the trunk. The photo album had managed to come out on top & now Harry opened it for the first time in a few months since he & Lupin had started hiding Sirius in the castle.

He flipped through the pages. The photos remained silent. Harry soon came to the one with a cat-scratched James but Sirius was there as well. They both stared at him anxiously. Harry sighed. "Sirius." James hesitated so long that Harry was about to order him out again, but he finally left. Those in the photo album had gone a while without updates & were now fearing the worst. Harry lifted the picture, trapping Sirius in it, then put the album as far away as possible. He put the picture on his bed, then barricaded the door before anyone could walk in or hear him.

"Took you long enough," Sirius snapped the moment Harry sat down on the bed again. "We're going mad here & James? Do you have any idea how this is effecting him? What's going on?"

"Oh. A lot."

"I realise it's end of term," Sirius muttered. "But still." He scowled at Harry for a moment. "So ...did it ...did it happen then? Is my soul gone?"

"You're fine," Harry said slowly.

"But?"

Harry finally explained the end of the diary & the plan about switching the secret keepers. "All this time, your target was Wormtail."

"Peter?" Sirius gasped. "Are you asking me to believe it was PETER?"

"Yes & no," said Harry. "See that was the plan. To switch you guys around."

"Sounds like something I'd come up with."

"But then things happened that you didn't know until a few hours ago," Harry went on. "You were going after Peter who was posing as Ron's rat & you nearly got him."

"So what happened?"

"Peter never became our guardian either," Harry said. "He was knocked out before being able to do anything. Someone else took over."

Sirius waited but Harry had fallen silent. "Who? Dammit boy! Who betrayed you?"

Harry glanced out the window. "Dad's still alive."

"WHAT?"

"He showed up yesterday."

"…Harry..." Sirius looked half ready to laugh & half ready to cry. "H-how?"

Harry took a long time in answering. "It's uh well, Sirius. It was Orion that betrayed us."

"Harry," Sirius glared. "What's gotten into you? Why make up this story?"

"I'm not."

"Harry," Sirius tried again. "Jim murdered Orion back in our sixth term. I watched him do it!"

"Nope, he missed."

"Stop it. Stop it! Harry! Just knock it off right now." Sirius huffed before adding. "If you're going to be like this, forget it. Put me back in the album. NOW!"

Harry stared at him. "Regulus was on the Pitch the night you tried to kill Orion. He rescued him." Sirius just stared & finally Harry was able to explain. By the end, Sirius had collapsed on the bed, staring at the floor. "I have no idea what to say to anyone else in that album. Perhaps you can handle it."

"Two more years? Harry! How am I supposed to tell Jim that? He'd rather be dead!"

"I know. I'm sorry but that's how it is."

Sirius lay down, burying his face in the pillow. "Don't put me back right now. I need to think."

"Alright," Harry agreed. He suddenly came up with a plan. "What if I keep you out of the album until Orion is caught?"

"Caught?" Sirius looked up from the pillow.

"Well there was talk of capturing him & Dementors," Harry said. "Dad asked to witness the Kiss to. Let's wait until it happens, then at least you'll have some good news to say as well."

"Jim wants to witness?" Sirius gasped. "Ohh he must be messed up!" He put his head in his hands. "My poor 'deer' one." He soon looked up at Harry & nodded.

Harry got up & pushed the photo album to the bottom of his trunk. Then he put the picture into a pouch along the inside of the trunk for now. Next, he picked up the Cloak. "What are you?" He stared at it for a long time before dropping it on top & closing the trunk. He released the door & got in to bed at last, but he didn't sleep well at all that night.

* Lines in bold taken from book/movie of Prisoner Of Azkaban

(AN: Ripped off Top Gear (British) & Homeward Bound. Funny fact, the Top Gear line is directed at Warwick Davis, Harry Potter connection.)