CW: manipulation, angst, intense situations
:FIFTY-NINE:
Harry drew a lot the next month or so, creating dreamscapes and reality in all mediums. They weren't perfect or particularly inspired, but they were his so Remus and Sirius put them up literally everywhere in their house. The whole flat was just covered in his originals, even Kreacher had taken a few for his room.
In fact, he was drawing when Dumbledore arrived at their home.
It had been an average July evening, warm and slightly muggy, when they heard the telltale pop of apparition outside of their flat. Remus was the one who saw Dumbledore first, looking out the window to see the man walking up the stairs.
"Sirius," Remus said warningly. "Dumbledore is here."
Sirius came out, looking angry and confused. "He didn't write saying he was coming, did he?"
Remus shook his head, his eyes catching onto Harry's frightened expression behind Sirius.
"It's going to be alright, Harry." Remus assured him, walking over to hug Harry close. "Would you get the door, Sirius? I think we should talk in the living room."
Sirius nodded tightly, smiling and touching Harry comfortingly on the shoulder before he went to let Dumbledore inside. Though it was harder for him to prepare on the spot like this, Sirius found himself calm in the face of protecting Harry. He may not have been able to protect James and Lily, but was capable of keeping Harry safe now.
"Dumbledore." Sirius greeted him coldly at the door. "What a surprise."
"Yes, I apologize for not forewarning you." Dumbledore said pleasantly. "I have been very unfortunately busy as of late."
"Well," Sirius withdrew, ushering Dumbledore in. "Remus and Harry are waiting in the living room."
"Thank you, Sirius." Dumbledore smiled slightly, entering the flat and gazing around politely. "This is a rather nice space you have created."
Sirius nodded. "It's our home."
They entered the living room, where Harry and Remus were already waiting. Harry had chosen a seat by himself, while Remus had taken the couch. Dumbledore sat in the other empty chair, politely waiting until Sirius had taken his seat by Remus before speaking.
"I assume we all understand what I am here to discuss." Dumbledore said, looking to each of them for confirmation. "I was able to destroy the ring horcrux, which I'm afraid just leaves…"
"Me." Harry finished for him, keeping his head held high.
"Yes," Dumbledore's eyes shone with tears. "I'm afraid so, Harry."
"We've been researching that, actually." Remus cut in, drawing Dumbledore's attention.
He brought out the folder with all of his research, handing it off to Dumbledore as he explained the concept and plan they had developed. Dumbledore practically devoured the pages, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he absorbed it all. By the time Remus had finished, he was smiling slightly.
"This...this is incredible work, Remus." He said quietly, looking up at the man on the couch. "And I think it's possible as well. Where were you planning to do this?"
"There's a forest we go to for transformations." Remus replied. "I thought that would probably be the safest place."
Dumbledore nodded. "Do you have all the necessary potions for this? I can have Professor Snape -"
"We do." Sirius said bluntly. "Everything is ready, we were just waiting to tell you."
Remus put a hand on Sirius' knee. "We would appreciate your help, Dumbledore."
Dumbledore looked slightly surprised by this, but nodded. "I would be honored to help your family."
They all stood up, Harry taking notice of Dumbledore's ruined hand in the process.
"What happened, sir?" Harry asked, pointing to his hand.
"Ah," Dumbledore said softly. "I made a mistake, Harry. Dark magic, as it turns out, can be detrimental to those who forget to heed its warning signals."
"Right," Sirius clapped his hands together. "I will get the materials and then we can go. Remus, you can side-along apparate with Dumbledore and I will take Harry."
And so, the four of them got ready to face a very dangerous, and potentially disastrous, unknown.
Notes:
Alright, buckle up because here we go.
Happy Reading!