"Sirius," Remus said, attempting to shake his friend awake without disturbing Harry, who was still sleeping against his chest. "Wake up, you're not going to like this..."
"Mm, what?" Sirius snapped crossly, forgetting where he was. He opened his eyes and noticed Harry was still asleep against him, then looked into Remus's concerned eyes. "What?" He started again, much more gently.
"Rita Skeeter article… Harry's going to be humiliated." Remus mumbled, handing Sirius the paper. It was an article all about Harry being mentally unstable - so much so, that his father had to sleep with him every night to ensure that he didn't run off or disturb others.
Sirius cringed as he read it, then looked down at the boy in his arms. "We just can't be left alone, huh puppy?" He said gently, before removing himself from the bed to leave Harry to sleep.
Harry immediately stirred when Sirius got out of bed. "Dad?" He mumbled sleepily.
"It's still early pup, go back to sleep. Moony and I will have breakfast ready when you wake up." Sirius said gently, tucking the boy back in before following Remus out of the room.
"Well," Sirius said, joining Remus at the table for a cup of coffee. "It was nice while it lasted."
"What was?" Remus asked, stirring cream and sugar into his coffee.
"Harry acting like himself around me. You know he won't take this article well, he's not going to want a thing to do with me for weeks." Sirius said, taking a big sip of his own black coffee.
"Well, Sirius, you are his father. Tell him not to worry about what other people think, give him the advice you normally do. Although, I would think after the second task, he'd behave better. He normally doesn't let stuff like that get to him." Remus said with a shrug.
"He's a good kid, better than we were. That's Lily coming out in him. If he does act that way again, I can't say I blame him. You remember when Reg turned Lacy against me seventh year? All of you were so angry with me for something I didn't even do and I sulked around exactly like he did a few weeks ago, and I was three years older than he was at that point." Sirius said with a shrug.
"Maybe you should tell him that story, Padfoot. Tell him how hard it was, but you got through it, and you want him to be better than you were." Remus said with a shrug. "Although I doubt you want your son to know how many women you were with in Hogwarts."
Sirius barked a laugh, but Harry walked in before he could respond. "And how many women would that be, Siri?"
Sirius shook his head with a smirk. "I'll get to that, but there's something that you should see first."
Sirius handed Harry the newspaper and Harry groaned. "She just can't leave me alone about you. Malfoy is going to make this horrible."
"Are you embarrassed that Sirius stayed with you last night?" Remus asked gently as Harry moved over to the couch to bury his face in the pillows. Sirius and Remus got up and followed.
Harry laid there for a second before responding. "No... but I didn't exactly want all of Hogwarts to know. That was between Siri and I… how did Skeeter even know he stayed with me last night? These quarters are supposed to be private."
"We don't know, cub." Remus said, sitting in the chair across from the couch. Sirius sat in the other chair and eyed Remus. "I think your dad has a story to tell you though. In the least it will cheer you up… but I hope you'll get the same message Padfoot eventually got from it."
Harry looked up at Sirius expectantly and Sirius cleared his throat. "Well, I don't really know if this will help or not… it makes me look like an old fool, actually, but… here we go. You know about the Marauders, of course. Remus, your dad, me, and well, the rat. We had some girls that we spent most of our time with as well - Lily's other roommates. Now mind, Lily spent time with those girls, but avoided us for our first few years. She had really taken a liking to Snivellus. Anyway, her roommates were Marlene McKinnon, Alice Prewett, well I guess now Alice Longbottom, Paisley McLamb, and Lucy Fox. Lucy hung around with us a lot, as well as Marlene. Lily became friends with us seventh year, but it was mostly Lucy and Marlene for the first six years. Lucy was, for lack of a better phrase, my "Lily." Remus and everyone will tell you I was a ladies' man, but I had a special place for Lucy since second year… I just wasn't quite as confident as your father when it came to love. I ignored it, I wasn't used to being loved and I shied away from it. For that reason, I went after Marlene for years just for the hell of it, and we always ended up breaking up… because of Lucy."
Sirius paused here, and he appeared to have a pained expression crossing his handsome features. "Finally, seventh year, I decided to do something about Lucy. I had been tipped off by a few of my friends," he looked pointedly at Remus, who smiled at him, "that she felt similar about me. So I snogged her one night while we were out flying on my broomstick-"
"You had a broomstick at Hogwarts?" Harry asked. Remus laughed at the random question and Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Of course I did, I played quidditch for Gryffindor. I had to have a broom," he waved it off like it was nothing.
"You played quidditch! Why haven't you told me yet?" Harry gaped at his father.
"I just figured you knew," Sirius said, chuckling. "I mean, we play together every morning. You thought I was that good at throwing a quaffle around for nothing? Anyway, I snogged her, and then the next day I did what I'm best at - rushing into something without giving any thought to the consequences. I saw her talking to my brother Regulus and… well, I've mentioned my childhood to you a bit, but Regulus is part of the reason I left my family home. He was the "good son." But he wasn't happy with himself and he was resentful that I had friends, a girlfriend, and I wasn't being made to do Voldemort's bidding. He used Lucy to get back at me and he practically turned everyone against me."
"What about my dad?" Harry asked, looking upset at how Sirius had been treated.
"Your father was mad at first, but you need to understand why. I would have reacted the same way had I been in his position. The day after I kissed Lucy, Regulus and Marlene, who was upset that I had quit fancying her, worked out a plot to pin Lucy and I against each other. It almost worked, had James not been the one to figure out what we had been told by the two of them. Basically, Marlene told me that Lucy liked both Regulus and me, but she liked Regulus more, and my thick self was so bent up on jealousy that I didn't even bother to ask Lucy if it was true. I started snogging Marlene in the common room that evening - I'm sure you've figured out that Lucy didn't take it well..."
"Nor did we," Remus said with a chuckle.
"I got beat up by my three best friends for breaking Lucy's heart that night. James yelled at me and I tried to explain what Marlene had told me. He ignored it and said I had no right to do that to Lucy. A week went by and I had lost my friends, my girlfriend, and… well, I had lost my family a long time prior to that, but still. The point is, everyone turned against me for a lie, just like they might do with you because of this lying article. I think it best that you take your situation with stride and keep your head up, even if your fellow Gryffindors turn against you for the article. Don't be like me and sulk around about how miserable your life is… if it hadn't been for your father, I don't know what I would have done."
"So he changed his mind then?" Harry asked, wanting to see the best in both James and Sirius.
"He was the one that uncovered the truth about Marlene and Regulus. He remembered what I tried to explain to him the night Marlene and I had gotten back together, and then Lucy told him that Regulus was using legilimency with her and giving her negative ideas about me… because he was jealous that I got away from the dark stuff and he was stuck with our parents and Voldemort. Once he realized that and explained it to everyone, I was apologized to profusely and Marlene became the outcast for betraying her friends. Of course, we eventually forgave her as well, but her and I never got together again. That's besides the point though… the point is, I don't want you to feel alone like I did then… I don't think Ron or Hermione will believe a word of that article or humiliate you for it, but if they do, you've got Remus and me. You're better off in that respect than I was, at least." Sirius said, grimacing at the memory.
"What happened to all of them? Lucy and Marlene and Regulus?" Harry asked, now more interested in Sirius's story than the article written about him.
"Marlene and her entire family were killed by Voldemort. They were all a part of the Order." Remus said gently.
"Regulus was killed by Voldemort I presume, otherwise I wouldn't be the Black heir… and I can't imagine any other way for him to die to be honest." Sirius said with another grimace. "I hated it for him, we were close as kids… he just didn't leave home like I did, didn't have the courage I guess. Lucy, on the other hand, I haven't heard from in thirteen years. We were dating when your parents and you got attacked that night. Of course, I had no plans for marriage, but that was what was so nice about Lucy - she didn't want to get married either, just wanted to have fun and live life like I did. We were a good match I suppose. I think she, like most people, heard that I was the secret keeper and assumed that I betrayed your parents that night. She's probably furious with me," Sirius said with a dry chuckle.
"You haven't tried to contact her at all, Padfoot?" Remus asked, frowning.
"No reason to," Sirius said with a shrug. "I've got all I need here - a good job, my son, my best mate. Why would I need to try and talk to an old flame?"
"All I'm saying is, I'm sure she's heard of your innocence. She'd probably at least like to talk to you about what happened, for closure or something. It'd be a nice gesture." Remus said sternly.
Sirius rolled his eyes and Harry laughed. Sirius grinned at him as if he had forgotten Harry was in the room. "Well, anyway, we got off track. You understand the lesson Moony was trying to teach you by making me tell you what a daft teenager I was?"
Harry nodded and grinned. "Yep, that you're a terrible influence and I should ask Remus for advice from now on."
Remus laughed and Sirius looked taken aback. "That is what you got out of my story? Well, it looks like I might need to use a different method of teaching you a lesson."
Sirius chased Harry around the living room and tackled him to the ground, tickling him while Harry attempted to get the upperhand. Remus rolled his eyes and tried to go back to the kitchen when Sirius tripped him as well, making him join in their wrestling match. Sirius felt fairly confident that Harry wouldn't let this article bother him, and the three spent a peaceful Sunday together as a family.
Monday came quickly, but to Harry's surprise, most of his peers were kind to him and seemed to have ignored the article by Skeeter. The worst came from the Slytherin students, as Harry had predicted, but even they seemed to be quieter than usual; however, the peace didn't last long.
"Today I just want you lot to work on shield charms - this may seem basic, but it will help you tremendously when you're attacked if you can produce a strong shield." Remus said to the class of fourth years. "Partner up, and when I say go, one of you will send a harmless hex and the other will try to defend his or herself. Ready?"
The fourth years scrambled across the classroom to start. "Go!" Remus shouted. There were flashes of light and big, blue shields being produced from every direction. Then, Harry was on the ground.
"PROFESSOR LUPIN!" Hermione exclaimed as Remus ran over.
"The lesson's over for today. Be warned, if I find that any of you used dark magic as your harmless hex, you will be severely punished. Go on." Remus said, looking pointedly at Malfoy before bending down to check on Harry. "Cub? What happened?"
"I'm okay, Moony," Harry said,grimacing as he tried to sit up. "I don't know, I made my shield and then I felt a burning pain in my side. Maybe the spell backfired?"
"Lift your shirt up, Harry, let me check and make sure you're okay." Remus said gently, holding Harry down so he couldn't pretend to be fine. At Harry's hesitation, Remus smiled. "Come on, Cub, we're the only two in here besides Ron and Hermione, I need to be sure you're alright. Would you rather me get Sirius? Remember mother hen?"
The mention of his father put Harry in action and he almost ripped his shirt off in his haste to show Remus the injury. Sure he loved Sirius, but he didn't need to be doted on for a backfired spell. However, the spell proved to be more dangerous than Harry had thought. The flesh on his stomach where he had been hit was oozing blood and puss, and slowly growing bigger. Remus gasped. "This is a dark curse, Harry… much worse than a stinging hex, it looks like it's melting your skin off. I had been joking about getting Sirius before, but he needs to know that you've been attacked again and you have to go to the hospital wing now. Your flesh will melt off entirely if we don't hurry. Hold still and I'll try the counter-curse until you can get to Madame Pomfrey."
Harry groaned at the mention of the hospital wing, but allowed Remus to perform the counter-curse. The pain in his side felt like a huge sore that was swallowing him whole and setting him on fire - he wanted relief.
"Good, I'll go get Padfoot, and Hermione and Ron will take you to Pomfrey." Remus said, jumping up to go to the charm's classroom.
"Don't interrupt his class, I'll see him tonight," Harry said, trying to hold-off Sirius's anger for the time being.
Remus chuckled but didn't stop moving towards the door. "Sorry kiddo, I'm not going to be the one Padfoot yells at for not telling him that his kid's skin is melting off. Him and I will meet you in the hospital wing. Now, go."
The three went off to the hospital wing, and Harry wasn't surprised to see that Sirius and Remus had beaten them there. He was moving slow because the wound was opening up again and festering. Sirius looked livid, but his face softened when Harry walked in and he rushed forward to the three of them. "Here guys, I got him." Taking care to avoid Harry's injury, Sirius carried him over to a hospital bed and placed him in it. Harry's face flushed at having to be carried by his father, but Ron and Hermione didn't seem to care.
Sirius lifted Harry's shirt off and began looking at the wound, which was starting to burn badly. As if on cue, Madam Pomfrey shooed Ron and Hermione out of the room and began to diagnose and heal the injury. Sirius and Remus both sat in the chairs beside the bed and Sirius held Harry's hand as Madam Pomfrey applied a cooling and healing salve.
Harry's embarrassment had completely passed by the time she finished applying the salve - whatever curse the student had used on him was effective. Harry felt like his entire body was on fire, and anytime someone touched the sore spot, a sharp sting echoed through his torso. It was one of the worst physical pains he had ever felt.
"There Mr. Potter, that will stop the curse from inflaming your body. It will take the night for the wound to quit festering and close up, but once it does you should be okay. I'm sorry I can't do more, but I'm not familiar with the dark magic that was used to create the wound. I suggest you stay here for tonight and perhaps tomorrow while the professors try and figure out who is malicious enough to do this." Madam Pomfrey said as she put the cap on the salve she was using. "I presume you're going to stay with him, Mr. Black."
Sirius nodded silently, still looking extremely angry.
"Good, then you can apply this salve every four hours until the wound closes. Mr. Lupin, does the headmaster know about this? I'd hate to have someone else fall victim to this nasty injury." Madam Pomfrey asked, turning to Remus.
"Yes, he is well aware, as are the other professors. I will be questioning my entire class tomorrow on it. Whoever tried this will be in severe trouble." Remus said, glancing at Harry.
"Which houses were in the class? Obviously Gryffindor, but what was the other one?" Sirius growled.
"Three guesses which." Remus said, sharing a look with Sirius.
"Should have known," Sirius said, voice still scarily quiet. "Guess you better talk to Snivellus… or better yet, I'll talk to him."
"No, Sirius. You stay with your son, Snape didn't have anything to do with the attack. It's just one of his students we need to watch out for. I'll go now, but I'll be back with some dinner for you both. Okay cub?" Remus said, putting a hand on Sirius's shoulder and turning to Harry. At Harry's nod, he walked out to look for Dumbledore, leaving father and son alone.
Harry spared a look at Sirius, expecting to see the same anger that had graced his features since they had arrived; instead, Sirius looked concerned about him. He reached over and brushed Harry's bangs off his still-sweaty forehead. "You okay, puppy?" He asked gently.
Harry's throat was dry from the extreme heat that plagued his body, and he nodded to the water on the bedside table. Sirius lifted him so he could drink the water.
Once he had his fill, Harry nodded in response to question. "I think so… that was a nasty curse."
Sirius's eyes flashed with anger again. "No kidding… you've got a very impressive pain tolerance. Any idea who attacked you this time?"
"No… I mean, I think you guys are probably on the right track with Slytherin, and my bet would be Malfoy… but they hardly said anything at all to me this morning about the article. You would think they would have at least tried to make me angry before attacking me." Harry mumbled looking down at his lap. It was at that moment that he realized he was practically naked, other than his trousers, and lifted the covers up to his chin, only to hiss with pain when the sheet rubbed against his injury.
Sirius gave him an amused smile and pushed the sheet back down. "You realize I used to change your nappies, right?"
Harry flushed red again, but looked back at Sirius. "Anyway," Sirius started again. "I guess they didn't tempt you because it would make it too obvious if they attacked you right after. I don't know, but I'm getting tired of these random injuries. I'll pull you out of this damn tournament and take you home if I have to."
Harry scowled, "I'll look like a coward!"
"Better than you getting killed, Harry. I won't risk it, I'm sorry. But don't worry just yet, if we can catch the culprit it will be okay. I think Dumbledore's getting worried about the death eater activity, especially since Barty Crouch was killed before the second task. He wants to cancel the tournament in general, and I will support him if he chooses to do so." Sirius said, eyes flashing with anger again. "Our daft minister has been refusing to, though, so I guess we will wait and see what they decide before I make a decision of my own."
"What about the magical contract? Hermione says people can die if they break contract…" Harry said, heart racing at the idea of the Goblet of Fire.
"Dumbledore wouldn't let that happen, but that's the only reason I haven't taken you home yet. Bad things do happen to wizards who break contract," Sirius mumbled, scowling.
Seeing Harry's concerned expression, Sirius softened his features. "Don't worry about it yet, pup. We'll figure it out, I just want you to be safe. The fact that you can't even attend class without worrying about having your skin blown off blows my mind." He reached over and stroked Harry's hair back again, then slid his hand down to Harry's side, right above the injury. "Does it hurt to touch right here?"
Harry winced a little, but shook his head. "No, not too bad. Just burns a little."
Sirius immediately moved his hand back to Harry's forehead. "You've still got a fever."
Harry smiled weakly, instinctively leaning into his father's cool touch. "Quit being a mother hen, I told Remus this would happen."
Sirius grinned at Harry and stroked his fingers through his hair gently. "You can pretend that you hate it all you want, puppy, but I know deep down you appreciate your old man."
Harry smiled again before letting his eyes close. He felt his father press his lips to his forehead, and he wanted to swat him away playfully like he normally did; however, Harry found that, deep down, Sirius was right - he loved the affection from his dad. The comforting thought of Sirius staying by his bedside carried Harry to sleep that afternoon, concerns of the tournament leaving him entirely.
