-A/N: So, fun fact, I actually started writing the last chapter of this last night. I figured that since I now have the plot and character's established, I might try writing from the end a bit. Don't worry, the end probably won't come for at least fifty more chapters (this is a very involved story), but please stick with me and know that I am still open to suggestions with the events that take place in the story. It doesn't have to be some action-packed thing, it can be as simple as a Remus and Harry bonding moment or a new relationship for Harry. Just review and enjoy!-
"Sirius… it's Pettigrew. He's escaped… supposedly seen in Albania. You realize what this might mean?" Remus breathed out, watching his friend's face change from concern to horror and rage.
"Have you talked to Moody? Does he have any idea?" Sirius asked, trying to keep his voice down.
"Moody's not here… left early last week, I've been teaching defense classes. Dumbledore said he went to help the ministry when Pettigrew escaped." Remus said with a shrug.
Sirius's rage grew even larger. "He left last week? When did Pettigrew escape?"
Remus shot his friend a stern look. "I know what you're thinking, but Albus trusts Moody. I'm sure it's coincidence and now Moody is able to go after him without worrying about classes. But to answer your question, his cell was empty this morning… so it had to have happened last night and-"
Their conversation was cut off by a distressed cry in Sirius's quarters. The two ran back inside to find Harry on the ground, clutching his forehead as if someone was drilling a screw into it. "Harry!" Sirius gasped, running to his son and putting him on the couch. "Harry listen to my voice, focus on my voice. It will be over soon, just hang on."
"I'm - not - so - sure-" Harry choked out, squirming under Sirius's grasp as blindingly hot pain scorched through his head.
"Pettigrew, my lousy servant…" Voldemort mumbled from behind his chair. Barty Crouch Jr. stood beside the chair, staring down at the quivering mess that was Pettigrew.
"Thank you Crouch, for delivering him to me. The plan will be much easier now that we have another." Voldemort hissed. "Now Crouch, remind Pettigrew of why he should not betray his master, why he must serve me faithfully."
"CRUCIO-" Barty Crouch Jr. shouted as Pettigrew screamed in agony.
Unaware to the three, another boy was screaming miles away as he too felt the hot pain scorching through his nerves, blinding him.
"Harry, son, can you hear me?" Sirius mumbled, stroking Harry's hair. He had passed out soon after Sirius and Remus had run into the room, and Remus had gone to alert Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore.
Harry groaned and attempted to lift his heavy eyelids. "P-Pettigrew… he's escaped…" He choked out, watching as Dumbledore, Madam Pomfrey, and Remus came back through the portrait hole.
Sirius gave him a sad look and nodded. "I know - that's what Remus just told me when he asked me to step outside. The question is, how did you know?"
Dumbledore stepped forward and kneeled beside Sirius. "Yes, Harry, please tell us what has happened."
"I - need water." Harry croaked out and Remus walked over with a glass. Madam Pomfrey looked impatient, wanting to get over to Harry and help him.
After drinking the entire glass, Harry shuddered and then made eye contact with Dumbledore. "I - I don't know exactly… I just - saw him. Pettigrew. He - he was on the floor in some old house, t-trembling. Voldemort was t-there… but he wouldn't show himself… he was - like, like a voice. B-but, this guy was also there…"
"Did they say who he was?" Dumbledore asked gently, his blue eyes piercing Harry's emerald ones.
"Voldemort kept saying Crouch… he k-kind of looked like… like Barty Crouch… only… only younger." Harry choked out.
Dumbledore looked to Sirius, who shook his head. "Impossible. I heard Barty Crouch Jr. die, he was in a cell near mine. I know he died, he went quiet… they all eventually go quiet…"
"You're sure?" Dumbledore asked.
Sirius nodded, "they brought in Barty and his wife, they let family come if the person's dying. The dementor's were… active that night…"
Harry wasn't sure who they were talking about, but he knew his father was remembering Azkaban, and he wanted to comfort him. He tried to reach his hand out for Sirius's, but the pain overtook him and he whimpered.
Sirius and Dumbledore both turned their attention back to Harry, but before they could ask what was wrong, Madam Pomfrey was shooing them away. "Let me take care of this poor boy before you ask him anymore questions. Out, go on."
Harry whimpered again and made eye contact with Sirius, not wanting him to leave. Sirius tried to protest her pushing, but Dumbledore put a hand on his shoulder and pulled him away. "I need to talk to you about this, Sirius."
Reluctantly Sirius nodded and made to follow them. He turned back to Harry when he was at the portrait hole and assured him he would be back soon. Then the adults walked out and left Harry to Pomfrey's tending.
"You're sure he's dead, Sirius? Do you have any proof other than hearing that he went quiet and the dementor's being active?" Dumbledore asked urgently once they had reached his office.
"I mean, I was a high security prisoner, Albus. I didn't see anyone except those that passed my cell. So no, I guess I'm not completely sure. I didn't see him die." Sirius said, looking down at his lap. "But you can just tell, who else would have died? Why else would Barty Crouch and his wife have come to Azkaban that night?"
Dumbledore looked out the window, clearly puzzled. "Who else would Harry have seen then?"
"Harry might have misheard, he was in pain-" Remus offered, but Dumbledore cut him off.
"Harry knows nothing about Barty Crouch Sr. except that he works for the ministry and he's been missing. He didn't know he had a son, yet he described the man to be named Crouch and look exceptionally like Barty. I don't think he would have missed that, regardless of pain." Dumbledore said, looking back out the window.
Sirius and Remus were at a loss for words. After a few minutes of silence, Sirius finally spoke. "I can only tell you what I perceived, Albus, but we'll keep our eyes open for anything suspicious. All these events make me worry more for Harry's safety, especially with this tournament. Right now my son needs me though, so I'm going to retire to my quarters."
"Son?" Dumbledore asked, giving Sirius a knowing smile.
Sirius returned the smile, and chuckled. "Yeah… I adopted him this morning. It's a shame all this happened on Christmas… but anyway, I need to get back to him."
Dumbledore nodded and Remus and Sirius walked out of his office and back to Sirius's room.
When they returned, Harry was still on the couch, but he was sitting up and looked significantly more comfortable. He had gotten into the candy Remus had given him that morning. He smiled and greeted them once he noticed they had walked into the room.
Sirius tried to mirror his smile, but worry etched his features. "Hey kiddo. Did Pomfrey leave?"
Harry nodded. "She gave me some type of pain reliever and told me not to move for a few days, no surprise there." He rolled his eyes and reached for another chocolate frog. This time Sirius did smile and moved over to the couch, Remus following him.
Sirius nicked the chocolate frog from Harry and ate it, giving him a smug smile. "Hey!" Harry said, incredulous.
"It was going to hop away, I did you a favor by eating it really." Sirius said, ruffling Harry's hair and reaching for another. Harry rolled his eyes and pushed Sirius's hand away before grabbing another one to replace the last.
Sirius chuckled and threw an arm around Harry's shoulder, kissing the top of his head gently. "Listen, we need you to tell us if anything weird happens. Especially related to this tournament, okay? As you know, we have reason to believe someone's trying to hurt you, and after today my anxieties have increased ten-fold. I will breathe freely again once this tournament's over and you're declared the champion."
"Sirius," Remus said, rolling his eyes. "Don't put too much pressure on him now."
Sirius gave Harry a proud smile and pulled him against his side before stealing another chocolate frog out of his stash of candy.
Harry glared at him but his heart felt exceptionally light. He finally had a father to care for him and an uncle that wouldn't harm him. He was loved, he was protected. Despite all that happened with Pettigrew and Voldemort, Harry knew this was the best Christmas he had ever had.
