The Contract

Chapter 37


It took two weeks before Harry agreed to go and see Sirius, in that fortnight he had received a dozen letters none of them harassing or anything like that. Although, it was pretty much the same information over and over again, until Sirius apologised when he realized what he was doing. Only then did Harry agree to visit him and asked for the visiting hours. Harry didn't blame him, he'd gone through the same thing with Rabastan and Rodolphus when they were first introduced. Azkaban didn't half screw with your mind, although Harry had to admit he was surprised it took so long for Sirius to regain his senses, after all Corvus said he was pretty coherent during the trial.

"Is this okay? Or should I dress down?" Harry asked Corvus as he entered Corvus' office, dressed in his usual attires. He had forgone wearing Muggle clothes pretty much ever since Corvus had spent a fortune on tailored made clothes for him, twice.

"Why would you feel the need to dress down?" Corvus questioned, giving his nod of approval at his clothing choice. He detested those Muggle clothes, they were so gaudy and mundane, they were better than Muggles, and should act accordingly, dress accordingly.

"It is a hospital," Harry said, barely refraining from shrugging his shoulders.

"Then no, you shouldn't dress down," Corvus replied, as the Floo flared, he wasn't at all surprised to see Antonio Abbott standing in his office. As always he was right on time, and looking significantly much better. "Antonio, thank you for coming," he added, standing up greeting the wizard with warmth that he didn't display often outside of his home.

"Good morning," Antonio answered swiftly, "It's no trouble," which was true enough, he didn't mind helping out, and it most definitely wasn't for the money, but he wouldn't "Are you ready to go?" regardless of whether he didn't mind or not, he couldn't dally, he had a meeting he had to get to in exactly two hours' time, so he had to get a move on.

"Yeah," Harry agreed, shifting slightly, feeling very uncomfortable, pretty much how he'd felt going with the goblins to meet the Lestrange's that day so very long ago now.

"Are you sure?" Antonio gave Harry a deep penetrating look, quite honestly, the kid looked ready to bolt.

Harry grinned wryly, "Yeah," realizing how it probably looked, but he was entitled to how he felt, Corvus had always made that very clear.

"Then let's go," Antonio said, "I'll take care of him," he told Corvus giving a nod, well aware of what Harry meant to Corvus Lestrange. He might not be part of his life on a daily basis but he knew Corvus well, and he could see just how much Corvus cared.

"Yes," Corvus agreed, Antonio would, because he would be well aware of the consequences if anything happened to Harry in his care.

Corvus led both Antonio and Harry to the front door, watching them leave until they used the Portkey at the end of the wards. Even once they'd gone he continued staring at nothing, he could only pray that it went well, and that Black would listen to his godson and his wants and desires. If he pushed, Harry would just push back, and in the end the world would know just who had 'control' as they'd like to term it, over the worlds 'Boy-Who-Lived' and would desire to 'save' him from himself, which truly worried him the most, what people would do in a bid to make Harry who they believe he should be.

Shaking off his thoughts, he would not worry about it until it was a reality and only then. He wasn't a wizard who normally dwelt on the 'what if's' of the world, because it truly changed nothing. Yet these past few months, he'd been more of a worrier than normal, and it didn't sit well with him.

If Harry could get Tom liking him, he was sure he'd have Sirius wrapped around his little finger within a few visits.


"Antonio Abbott and Harry Potter to see Sirius Black," Antonio informed the Medi-witch, sliding the pass badge over to her, so she could see that they were indeed genuine visitors. Harry remained stoic as he stood just slightly behind Antonio, giving the appearance of a shy individual as apposed to one that just didn't want to be gawked at. He had his own badge attached to his cloak.

Fortunately, professionalism was apparently a thing at St. Mungo's, the Medi-witch did not even react to hearing his name. She didn't gape or gawk at Harry as if he was an exhibit on display. Instead she checked over the details, and then informed them how to get to the appropriate ward to visit Mr. Black. Handing him back his badge, he placed it on his lapel.

"Thank you," Antonio stated curtly, placing his hand on Harry's back, looking around instinctively. He'd been on very, very high alert since his attack, hypervigilance at it's finest, guiding Harry away from the Medi-witch and further into the building. Belatedly realizing what he was doing, "My apologies," he definitely shouldn't have been touching him without his permission. He'd been through enough without adding more.

"It's okay, Corvus trusts you," Harry said, allowing the contact, 'which means I trust you' went unsaid. He honestly didn't mind the touch, as long as it was someone he knew and liked, anyone else…he would rather keep at a wide berth.

Antonio smiled a little, "It's been a well earned trust that turned into friendship," he admitted, regardless of whether he was discussing it with an eleven-year-old or not, Harry would grow up to be formidable, and he wanted to be on his side.

Harry smiled in lieu of an answer.

There was no more discussion of Corvus or anything else as they approached a bustling wing filled with people. Medi-witches, Medi-wizards, healers and patients all busy with their day, barely even glancing at the visitors, they were used to people coming and going, especially during visiting hours. The healers did glance at the badges they wore, to ensure they were indeed visitors and left them to it after confirmation.

"Are you ready?" Antonio asked the youngster, as they approached the visitors lounge, waiting patiently at the door for a reply.

"As I'll ever be," Harry stated firmly, giving him a nod, and wandered in, peering around in curiosity when Antonio opened the door for him. It was nice and cosy, nothing like Azkaban, chairs and tables strewn around for privacy, a fireplace roaring warmly, and many people deep in discussion, only a few seemed to be on their own as of yet.

It didn't take him long at all to spot Sirius Black, as Antonio spoke to yet another medic, they didn't have the Medi-wizardry or Healer robes on, so they may just be a guard or watcher of sorts, to ensure nothing happened within the room.

Harry just stared at him, he looked old…gaunt and brittle. Like one good wallop would just have him breaking into a million different pieces. His mind drifted back to Rabastan and Rodolphus, they too had been exactly like that. Rabastan looked a little better now, compared to Sirius…and they were the same age. Thirty-one years old, and they looked to be in their fifties or sixties…was there any going back for them? Or had Azkaban permanently aged them?

"Ready when you are," Antonio prompted Harry, remaining stalwartly behind him, a strong firm presence. Not rushing him into this, he was aware of what was going on, Corvus had told him when he'd asked for his presence when Harry went to visit Black to prevent him becoming aware of whom he was living with.

Across the room, Sirius' grey eyes latched onto Harry's.

Sirius' breath was blown away as his eyes observed his godson for the first time since he was fifteen months old. Taking in everything he could, his eyes, which stood out like Lily's hand, beautiful green which James had often waxed poetically – and pathetically – about. His hair was the same colour as James' but longer than James ever allowed his to grow, it tamed the birds nest hair somewhat. He had the Black cheekbones from Dorea, giving him a more classical look, but at first glance he did just look like every other Potter.

Without needing to be told, he knew that Harry had been raised in a pureblood household. He was confident, poised, and wore the pureblood attire of one who had been wearing it from childhood. He screamed aristocratic in extreme measures. He was handsome, going to grow up into a belter of a wizard.

"He has grey eyes just like Draco," Harry commented, before forcing his feet to move.

"Yes, they're related," Antonio replied wryly, something Harry knew very well, was aware that Narcissa and Sirius were cousins. Twice over, due to the fact Orion and Walburga themselves were cousins.

Harry nodded as he moved, when Sirius wrenched his gaze away from Harry, he stared in confusion at the wizard beside Harry, wondering why he was here…and if he had been the one to raise Harry.

"H-h-harry," Sirius said reverentially, his tone still croaky with disuse, which seemed to embarrass him somewhat. It hurt to talk too long, and left him with a sore throat, and he did have to talk with his therapist, which was mandatory while here. Thankfully though, it wasn't mandatory to go to group sessions, which he skipped entirely.

"Hi," Harry replied, giving him a reassuring smile, he knew how self-conscious Rabastan and Rodolphus had been at first with their perceived 'weaknesses' oh, they'd hate it if they realized he knew of course, which was why he'd never said anything. They tried so hard to remain stoic in the face of their suffering.

"Thank you for coming," Sirius said, glancing at Antonio again.

"This is Lord Antonio Abbott," Harry told him, figuring out what he wanted and feeling obligated to help him a little. He did look a little lost, and considering he didn't know anything passed being put in Azkaban…well, he was there to help him with that now wasn't he?

"Have you…raised Harry?" Sirius asked, still staring at Antonio intently, vaguely recognizing him through his hazy memories. Which was completely normal his therapist said, and given time and if he continued to meditate his memories would become clearer. He was a lawyer if he recalled correctly, he remembered his father talking about an Antonio Abbott but whether it was the same one he didn't know.

"I have not, no," Antonio stated firmly, glancing at the chair, reminding Black how he was raised, it was gaudy to sit without permission and Harry couldn't stand for long lengths of time. Not without aches and pains, and he'd rather not have a protective Corvus on his back if Harry returned in pain.

"Please, take a seat," Sirius said belatedly, grimacing, he hated the formalities, and he definitely didn't want to have formalities between his godson and himself. Unfortunately, until they got to know each other better…it was inevitable.

"Thank you," Antonio said graciously, waiting until Harry had seated himself before taking a seat further away from the two so they could converse without him getting in the way should Harry wish it.

"Help yourself to whatever you like," Sirius added, sitting up a little straighter, he wanted to make a good impression on Harry. Especially if he had been raised by a pureblood, manners would matter, it would cement his first impression in his mind. There was a small picnic worth of foods for visitors on the table. Sirius, unfortunately, wasn't permitted anything on the table, and the beady eyed watcher had made sure she was watching him.

Antonio quietly fixed himself a cup of coffee, it was strong and smelt like the good stuff. It must have been 'donated' by one of the visitors because normally it was disgusting. At least it had been the one time he had visited.

Harry looked at everything on the table, none of it was suitable for him. Most of it had a high sugar content, by the look of it. He noticed a few digestive biscuits hidden at the back of the plate of sugary treats, and took one for himself.

"If Lord Abbott didn't raise you…who did?" Sirius asked, and more importantly why weren't they with him? Why had they sent who he was sure was a lawyer with him? It didn't make any sense. Then again not much made sense these days, but he was getting there. "Why hasn't Remus came with you?" Harry's letters had been…very sparse, as though he didn't know what to say to his estranged godfather, which fair point, he didn't know him.

"I'm afraid I've never met this Remus Lupin you keep writing or talking about." Harry said pensively. "I've been told he hasn't been seen from or heard from since the night of your arrest though, but whether that's true or not…remains to be seen."

Sirius paled, looking sick to his stomach…had something happened to Remus? He had distanced himself from Remus…hell, he hadn't trusted many people towards the end, not even the Order with a spy in their ranks. He'd had it all wrong though, it hadn't been Remus…no it had been Pettigrew all along. It was inconceivable to him, that someone could betray their best friends of a decade…he'd rather die, he'd rather die than betray his best friends. He should have been the Secret Keeper.

"If you wish I could set you up with someone to search for him?" Antonio suggested, sipping his coffee, he'd need to find out what kind it was, it was absolutely divine. He was sure his wife would like it too. "He has not been declared dead so there is every chance he is out there."

Sirius shook his head, "He wouldn't have abandoned Harry," he said desolately, Remus wouldn't have just up and left the remainder of his pack for a solitary existence. He would just have to accept that something had happened to Remus…and because of his impulsive actions…he hadn't been there to protect him…just as he hadn't been there to protect his best friends and godson.

"If you change your mind, you may get in touch," Antonio said graciously, aware that there were searches already been put into place for Remus Lupin.

"Thank you," Sirius said, giving a small smile that was more of a grimace than anything else. He was so sure that Remus would have done anything to be in Harry's life. If he wasn't…well, there could only be one reason for that. He was sure of it.

Antonio nodded once, before digging into his treats, giving the illusion of not paying the slightest bit of attention.

Only Harry knew just how much attention Antonio was actually paying to their interactions.

"You should you know," Harry said quietly, "Ignorance isn't bliss in this case…knowing would give you closure whether it's on that particular chapter of your life or Lupin himself."

Sirius' eyes widened a bit, that was rather…adult of his godson, he wondered for a second if the kid was actually eleven or if he had been in Azkaban longer than he thought. He was very mature for his age. "I don't need the information to know what's happened, Remus wouldn't have abandoned you," he said softly, despite his crusty vocal cords.

Harry arched a brow, "Like you did you mean?" being a little spiteful that he still held an idealised version of his friends, despite the fact they'd been betrayed by one already. Was it so difficult to believe that Lupin had just given up and walked away? Apparently so.

Sirius flinched, crumbling in on himself, even Antonio winced at Harry's blunt words.

"I…I didn't abandon you, I swear…" Sirius croaked out, shaking his head vehemently. "I intended on capturing Pettigrew and raising you myself. Things just…got majorly out of control…I promise you this, I intended to come back." His shaking hands pressed against his thighs trying to get some warmth and stop more weaknesses from being shown.

Harry sighed, "It's okay, it doesn't matter," he confessed, "We can't change the past," which was all true, and he wouldn't want to anyway, it would mean not having the Lestrange's in his life, and that was quite an intolerable thought regardless of how it all began in the first place.

Sirius swallowed thickly, the words they said during the trial coming back to him, they were basically what Harry had just said, "No, it does matter, if I could change it…I would, I'm so sorry, I should have put you first. James and Lily would be…cursing me to hell and back for what I did if they were here…" there was nothing more important than Harry to them.

"Hindsight," Harry said shrugging his shoulders, "I…forgive you," but he wouldn't be forgetting any time soon.

Sirius' grey eyes brightened considerably, almost in disbelief that it had been that easy for Harry to forgive him. Waiting for the other shoe to drop…but nothing more was forthcoming from Harry. "You're at Hogwarts now aren't you?" he'd obviously gotten permission to leave for the day.

"Down for attending Hogwarts, yes, but the school is closed," Harry explained pensively, "Are you not allowed the Daily Prophet in here?" it would be the best way to get himself up to date on everything…so why wouldn't Sirius take it? It was common sense…unless, they weren't allowed to read the newspapers.

Sirius' grey eyes widened, "Closed?" he echoed, "Wait, there wasn't anything in the newspaper about Hogwarts closing."

"What year of the newspaper are you reading?" Harry asked bluntly.

Antonio coughed suddenly, turning away, biting his tongue viciously to stop himself laughing.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter, sounding very much dog-like in its sound. "I've only recently started getting it, two days, there was a problem with my order."

"Huh, well it will probably be recapped sooner or later…but well, Dumbledore was arrested, McGonagall with him." Harry explained patiently, watching Sirius' eyes go impossibly wide.

"Dumbledore?" Sirius spluttered, "What…why?" gaping in shock, Dumbledore of all people had been arrested? Was in Azkaban? He wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy…let alone an old man.

"I'm not sure of the actual charges against him," Harry admitted, glancing at Antonio, he knew the ins and outs but not the actual charges laid against him. He could probably take quite an accurate guess.

"Over three hundred child endangerment, tampering with the Hogwarts wards, resisting arrest, the illegal use of an obliviate to obscure a job ill-done, theft, embezzlement, and that only what they can prove thus far," Antonio intoned, "The wards surrounding Hogwarts had reached a critical phrase…I'm going to assume you understand what that means in terms of what it would have done to the majority of the students under Hogwarts walls?" giving him a expectant look.

Sirius reeled back, swallowing thickly, shakily lurching forward again to grab his water and swallowed half a glass. "Yeah," he rasped out, and it was nothing to do with his throat this time, "I know." he understood well what could happen if wards of that calibre came crashing down with people in it. His father, Orion, was an expert wardsman, he'd imbued nearly every ward possible in their townhouse. "Are you sure he's…"

"Yes," Antonio stated sharply, "The evidence is irrefutable magical signatures cannot be faked." And that was one thing all pureblood's knew without a doubt. Even using someone's wand while having drunk Polyjuice potion didn't give you the same magical signature, it revealed only your own, some poor witch had found that out after trying to kill her lovers wife, the husband had been arrested as well. It was decades ago, before his time, but the case was still used as an example, he'd learned this while in law school. He'd been endlessly fascinated by it and actually looked up the full case in it's entirety.

Sirius looked conflicted, but one glance at Harry his eyes cleared up. If Harry had been at Hogwarts when the wards had collapsed…it could have killed him, or worse, stripped him of his magic and left him a squib…which had the potential to kill him through sheer shock regardless. What had Dumbledore been thinking? The sheer scope of all those students…it could have spelled the end of the magical world as they knew it. The end of dozens upon dozens of magical pureblood lines…he did not understand it.

"And…and McGonagall?" Sirius asked, remembering she'd been mentioned.

"She tried to stop the Aurors when they came to shut down Hogwarts," Antonio informed him coolly, "Interfering and obstructing their job, she will be in Azkaban for a few months but Dumbledore's sentence…shall be significantly longer." There was no doubt about that.

"Tiberius Ogden replaced him as Chief Warlock," Harry added, gauging Sirius' reaction to the news.

Sirius' breath hitched, "Chief warlock?" confusion, hurt, despair, fear, pain, betrayal coursed through him so quickly he could scarcely differentiate them. Dumbledore had become the chief warlock some time during his incarceration? "I…I have to go, I've got to go…I'm sorry," Sirius stuttered out, standing up weakly, within moments the witch was there, helping him up and out of the room, Sirius apologising the entire way.

Harry felt guilt simmering in his gut, Sirius had been so upset by that remark. It wasn't really that though was it? It was the knowledge that Dumbledore could have helped him, got him a trial came to see him, questioned him at least. He had seen tears on his face.

"It had to be done," Antonio said quietly, placing the cup on the table, "Come, I doubt very much he will return, at least not today," no doubt he was reeling with the betrayal of it. For someone like Black it had to be painful, he'd fought in Dumbledore's war, believing it to be the right thing, that Dumbledore was good and light and righteous, to learn otherwise…well, yes, he couldn't imagine the pain he was going through. He had never suffered such a betrayal, and didn't intended to.

"Okay," Harry murmured, standing up, looking at where Sirius was last seen, before allowing himself to be guided out of the room. Then back through the corridor they'd came in and through the doors, handing their badges back, before a portkey was used to send them back to Lestrange manor, only forty minutes after he'd left.


A/N Here we go! Yes, shorter than normal, I've promised to post a chapter each day regardless of how long it is – there will be exceptions, I'm not going to update one thousand word chapters – so as long as it's at least 3K a chapter will be posted for your enjoyment. I'm also trying to raise funds to help get the NHS PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) anything I make from my supporters will go towards that so if you'd like to help the link is on my profile (ko-fi)

So, how long will it take before Harry has a genuine honest to god conversation with Sirius without there being ulterior motives? Will it lay it all on him in the next meeting or will it spread out as Sirius gets better? Will Harry grow to really like Sirius? And will Sirius be out of St. Mungo's before he learns what side his godsons on? Or will it happen while he's there giving him focus in the way of a therapist that allows him to see what's right in front of him? Will Remus be dead in this story? R&R please