Disclaimer: Still not mine. Darn it!
Nicky: Thanks again for the input. Took your suggestions! 8-)
Kate the Great, velondra, Lily Potter, Phoenix, and Rannchan: Thank you all for reviewing the previous chapter. I'm glad you liked it.
Author's Note: A warning to fanfiction posters everywhere. Reviews are addictive! First you're pleased for your first review (Thanks again Lady of Arundel!). Next thing you know you're looking for milestones (They start at ten, but it's easy to get greedy from there). Pretty soon you're peeking at your review number at work. (Anything? Anyone? Bueller?) You know you're too far gone when you've memorized the shortcut keys to take you from your work screen to your internet connection. It was subtle at first, but I've finally acknowledged the signs… My name is Bored Beyond Belief and I'm a reviewaholic! So give a break to a hopeless addict, okay? And if not, I hope you at least enjoy the story! G
On with the show…
Chapter 7
Harry stirred in bed. He could hear muffled voices distantly, in another room, and breathing beside him. A cold nose nuzzled Harry's cheek and his eyes flew wide open in surprise. Turning his head, Harry gazed into Snuffles' warm, concerned eyes. Harry smiled as Snuffles shifted easily into Sirius.
"Good morning," Sirius said with a big smile as he automatically set Harry's glasses on his nose.
"Good morning," Harry said sleepily and yawned. He flinched, expecting the now familiar pain his ribs had brought him for many nights, but it didn't hurt. Taking a deep breath, Harry didn't even feel the urge to cough.
"Better?" Sirius asked, watching his godson's reactions. Harry tentatively began to push himself up in bed. He hated the way his limbs always seemed to tremble lately, and saw Sirius note his shakiness as well. Sirius reached behind Harry and adjusted his pillows so Harry could sit up comfortably. Taking another deep breath, relishing the ability to do so, Harry nodded.
"I feel a lot better now," Harry answered, beginning to vaguely remember being woken up to eat a few bites, drink some water and potion, and then falling back into dreamless sleep. He frowned. "How long was I asleep for?" he asked. Sirius smiled.
"Three days," Sirius replied. Harry widened his eyes in surprise. Sirius nodded. "Madam Pomfrey decided it was worth it to keep feeding you potion for a while to stop your nightmares, at least until we can come up with a more permanent solution," he said.
"A permanent solution?" Harry asked. He felt more rested now than he had in a long time, although still far too shaky. What was wrong with taking the potion?
Upon seeing Harry's confused expression, Sirius sighed and elaborated reluctantly, "Dreamless Sleep potion is highly addictive. You'll only be able to take it for two more days before we have to find another option, at least for a week or so," Sirius replied.
"Couldn't we stagger it? Potion one night, without the next?" Harry asked curiously, still half asleep and terrified of more dreams. He wasn't sure how much more he could face…
"Sorry, no. It builds up in your body. It takes at least a week to flush it out of your system superficially, at least that's what Madam Pomfrey said. For long term use, you may even have to go longer between doses as it can settle in your organs and cause side affects," Sirius replied.
"Side effects?" Harry asked.
"Nothing to worry about now," Sirius replied. "We've just got to get those dreams under control," he said with emphasis.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, feeling uncomfortable as memories of his previous nightmares came tumbling back.
"Harry," Sirius said and grabbed Harry's shoulders, startling him. "Don't," he said firmly. "Don't think about it," he said again, and Harry realized he'd recognized Harry's expression. "Do you think you can walk?" he asked Harry with a faint smile. Ignoring the sweat that broke out on his forehead as he did so, Harry scooted himself to the side of the bed as Sirius pulled away his coverlets. He weakly swung his legs over the side and smiled.
"I might need some help, but yes," Harry replied, suddenly anxious to be able to move around freely and without pain. It had been quite a while since he'd been able to do that. At the rate things were going with the Dursleys, Harry wouldn't be surprised if he came down with acute claustrophobia. Harry snorted, startling Sirius as he held out Ron's robe for Harry to put on, noticing Harry's chills.
"What?" Sirius asked with a curious smile.
"I was just thinking how nice it'll be not to be cooped up in my room," Harry said. He watched a variety of emotions flash across Sirius' face. It finally settled on concern.
"You're not going back," Sirius said, looking deeply into Harry's eyes. Harry nodded.
"I know. Dumbledore's got good enough protections now at the Burrow that I can stay here for the rest of the holiday," Harry said, frowning. He remembered that conversation. Sirius shook his head.
"No. You're not *ever* going back," Sirius said. Harry stilled, so many emotions rolling through him at once that he didn't know what to feel.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked quietly.
"I mean that you'll either stay with the Weasleys or… when I'm freed… with me," Sirius said. Harry looked searchingly into his face, then closed his eyes as he felt the familiar sense of being a burden.
"Harry!" Sirius said firmly and grabbed Harry by the arms. Harry gasped with pain, and Sirius' eyes widened in surprise. "What? What is it?" he asked Harry, who'd pulled his arm away forcefully.
"Sorry," Harry whispered. "It's just never healed right," he said, tenderly cradling his arm to his chest. Sirius froze as he realized what Harry was talking about. Harry's right arm, at the crook of his elbow where Pettigrew had cut him. Harry missed the myriad of emotions that darkened Sirius' face before settling back to concern.
"Pomfrey's potions didn't heal it?" Sirius asked, surprised and distracted from their previous conversation for a moment. Harry shook his head.
"It's scarred over and everything, but it's tender to the touch and it seems to rip open easily," he said.
"I didn't…" Sirius began, horrified that he'd accidentally reinjured Harry. Harry shook his head firmly.
"No, it's fine. Just sensitive," he said with an attempt at a reassuring smile. Sirius sighed and noted that Harry was growing paler by the moment as he stood before Sirius. Without warning, Sirius scooped Harry up in his arms and reached out to grab a blanket from his bed. "Hey…" Harry protested.
"Okay. There are some things that need to be discussed, but I'll keep it short because I know the rest of the Weasleys are anxious to see you. First of all, you are not a *burden*. You never have been. The fact that you think you are is just one more reason why you should have *never* had to stay with the Dursleys. You're a great kid with a huge heart. You're loving and kind and thoughtful. I cannot imagine what goes through your mind when you think of the *trouble* you'll be. Um, you have met the twins, right?" Sirius asked gently but with humor in his eyes. Harry smiled. Yes, he could imagine that to most adults they would be more of a handful than him. But Harry's smile faltered as he thought of the real fears he had staying with people he loved.
"Sirius," Harry said hesitantly. "I… If I stay with you or Ron… I'm putting you in danger," he finished. Sirius shook his head and jumped at the voice behind him.
"I'd like to apply some logic to that," Remus said from the doorway. He was leaning against the doorframe and looked to have caught at least part of their conversation. Harry watched him curiously as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. He walked up to Harry, who still lay cradled in Sirius' arms like a child. Remus tucked the blankets more snugly around Harry, who had to admit he was feeling quite cold.
"Logic?" Sirius asked Remus with humor. Professor Lupin was clearly in the house.
"You're Ron's friend, as well as the rest of the Weasleys'. You're Sirius' godson. These relationships put them in danger. But…" Remus said, raising a hand to interrupt whatever Harry was going to say as he opened his mouth.
"The Weasleys are already adversaries of Voldemort. They always have been, and always will be. *That* also puts them in danger, whether they know you or not. Sirius here is also an enemy of Voldemort no matter what, as am I. We are and will be, until Voldemort is finally gone for good, in permanent danger," Remus said. Sirius watched Remus with raised eyebrows.
"You are the only human being to have faced Voldemort and survived multiple times, true?" Remus said, and waited for Harry to nod. Harry was about to argue the semantics of that statement, but Remus raised his hand to stop him.
"True or false, Harry?" Remus asked.
"True," Harry muttered, clearly still wanting to argue.
"So, don't you think it's better that you're here with them, to protect them? If someone attacks, you'll be able to do something about it instead of reading about it in The Daily Prophet the next day," Remus said. Harry looked at Remus with haunted eyes.
"I couldn't protect Cedric," Harry said softly. Sirius made a choking sound and squeezed Harry tightly against him. Remus paled and his eyes widened. Harry didn't see the look the two men shared, but he did feel Sirius pull him close, allowing Harry to rest his head wearily against Sirius' chest. What could anyone say to that?
"Is Harry awake yet? Oh!" Ron said as he burst into the room, seeing Harry in Sirius' arms and noting the intense expressions passing between the two older men. He frowned for a second then ginned as he saw Harry's eyes were open, peeking over Sirius' shoulder. "Good morning!" he said happily. Harry smiled gently back. Ron's enthusiasm was always contagious. "Well, what are you all standing around for? Mom says to come to breakfast," Ron said with a roll of his eyes.
"Best not to anger the woman, Sirius," Remus chided gently.
"There is absolutely no need to tell me twice," Sirius replied, and Harry suspected he was speaking from personal experience.
As they traveled downstairs, Ron walked behind Harry and Sirius. "How are you feeling?" he asked his friend.
"Better," Harry replied.
"I hope you're hungry," Ron said.
"Why?" Harry asked, knowing he really wasn't and not looking forward to being forced to stuff himself. Weeks ago he would have leapt at the chance to have a big meal with the Weasleys, but now… Food just didn't sound appealing at all. Ron must have read the look on Harry's face because he looked sympathetic.
"Because I think mum's made it a personal cause to make you gain at least ten pounds. I overheard her talking to dad about it. She thinks you're so small because you're malnourished," Ron stated.
Harry saw the look on Remus' face as he followed them downstairs. Apparently Mrs. Weasley wasn't the only one who thought that. Harry groaned inwardly.
"What's the weather like outside today?" Harry asked, changing the topic abruptly.
"It's perfect Quiddich weather. Sunny and warm. Why don't we go outside after breakfast?" Ron asked. Harry knew he was in no condition to fly a broom, or even walk more than a few feet at a time, but the idea of being outdoors sounded wonderful.
There was a time that the Dursleys had used any excuse to keep him locked up or outside doing chores, but since last term he hadn't been outdoors more than a few times. Harry started as he realized Ron had continued to talk, and paid attention once again to his friends' chatter.
"I'm going to send an owl to Hermione inviting her to stay with us until school starts," Ron said with a pleased smile. Harry felt a twinge of guilt, because it was most likely because of his health that they'd extended the invitation. Normally, they didn't meet up with Hermione until Diagon Alley just before school started.
"Now don't go reading anything into that, Harry," Ron said with a frown, correctly reading Harry's silence. "Hermione's parents are going away for their fifteenth anniversary for a couple of weeks, and she was going to stay with an aunt. Mom found out about it and insisted she come here. Jeez, Harry, you're getting paranoid!" Ron said with a dramatic shake of the head.
Harry blushed in embarrassment, realizing how vain his train of thought had been and glanced downstairs to see who else was stirring about. He missed the sigh of relief Remus breathed and the 'thumbs up' Sirius gave Ron along with a big grin. Ron positively glowed under the Marauder's silent praise, then restored his expression back to normal before Harry looked back again.
Sirius wrapped the blankets around Harry a little tighter when he felt his trembling increase, and Harry closed his eyes for a moment, bracing himself for the barely contained riot which was the Weasley family, both eager to see them yet dreading it at the same time. Their company would be a welcome distraction. Anything to keep his mind off of the woman's last words which still echoed in his head. "Oh child, wake up," she'd said. He wished he could, and that it had all been a nightmare. Not his friends or Hogwarts, but Voldemort… He'd happily leave Voldemort behind.
Nicky: Thanks again for the input. Took your suggestions! 8-)
Kate the Great, velondra, Lily Potter, Phoenix, and Rannchan: Thank you all for reviewing the previous chapter. I'm glad you liked it.
Author's Note: A warning to fanfiction posters everywhere. Reviews are addictive! First you're pleased for your first review (Thanks again Lady of Arundel!). Next thing you know you're looking for milestones (They start at ten, but it's easy to get greedy from there). Pretty soon you're peeking at your review number at work. (Anything? Anyone? Bueller?) You know you're too far gone when you've memorized the shortcut keys to take you from your work screen to your internet connection. It was subtle at first, but I've finally acknowledged the signs… My name is Bored Beyond Belief and I'm a reviewaholic! So give a break to a hopeless addict, okay? And if not, I hope you at least enjoy the story! G
On with the show…
Chapter 7
Harry stirred in bed. He could hear muffled voices distantly, in another room, and breathing beside him. A cold nose nuzzled Harry's cheek and his eyes flew wide open in surprise. Turning his head, Harry gazed into Snuffles' warm, concerned eyes. Harry smiled as Snuffles shifted easily into Sirius.
"Good morning," Sirius said with a big smile as he automatically set Harry's glasses on his nose.
"Good morning," Harry said sleepily and yawned. He flinched, expecting the now familiar pain his ribs had brought him for many nights, but it didn't hurt. Taking a deep breath, Harry didn't even feel the urge to cough.
"Better?" Sirius asked, watching his godson's reactions. Harry tentatively began to push himself up in bed. He hated the way his limbs always seemed to tremble lately, and saw Sirius note his shakiness as well. Sirius reached behind Harry and adjusted his pillows so Harry could sit up comfortably. Taking another deep breath, relishing the ability to do so, Harry nodded.
"I feel a lot better now," Harry answered, beginning to vaguely remember being woken up to eat a few bites, drink some water and potion, and then falling back into dreamless sleep. He frowned. "How long was I asleep for?" he asked. Sirius smiled.
"Three days," Sirius replied. Harry widened his eyes in surprise. Sirius nodded. "Madam Pomfrey decided it was worth it to keep feeding you potion for a while to stop your nightmares, at least until we can come up with a more permanent solution," he said.
"A permanent solution?" Harry asked. He felt more rested now than he had in a long time, although still far too shaky. What was wrong with taking the potion?
Upon seeing Harry's confused expression, Sirius sighed and elaborated reluctantly, "Dreamless Sleep potion is highly addictive. You'll only be able to take it for two more days before we have to find another option, at least for a week or so," Sirius replied.
"Couldn't we stagger it? Potion one night, without the next?" Harry asked curiously, still half asleep and terrified of more dreams. He wasn't sure how much more he could face…
"Sorry, no. It builds up in your body. It takes at least a week to flush it out of your system superficially, at least that's what Madam Pomfrey said. For long term use, you may even have to go longer between doses as it can settle in your organs and cause side affects," Sirius replied.
"Side effects?" Harry asked.
"Nothing to worry about now," Sirius replied. "We've just got to get those dreams under control," he said with emphasis.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, feeling uncomfortable as memories of his previous nightmares came tumbling back.
"Harry," Sirius said and grabbed Harry's shoulders, startling him. "Don't," he said firmly. "Don't think about it," he said again, and Harry realized he'd recognized Harry's expression. "Do you think you can walk?" he asked Harry with a faint smile. Ignoring the sweat that broke out on his forehead as he did so, Harry scooted himself to the side of the bed as Sirius pulled away his coverlets. He weakly swung his legs over the side and smiled.
"I might need some help, but yes," Harry replied, suddenly anxious to be able to move around freely and without pain. It had been quite a while since he'd been able to do that. At the rate things were going with the Dursleys, Harry wouldn't be surprised if he came down with acute claustrophobia. Harry snorted, startling Sirius as he held out Ron's robe for Harry to put on, noticing Harry's chills.
"What?" Sirius asked with a curious smile.
"I was just thinking how nice it'll be not to be cooped up in my room," Harry said. He watched a variety of emotions flash across Sirius' face. It finally settled on concern.
"You're not going back," Sirius said, looking deeply into Harry's eyes. Harry nodded.
"I know. Dumbledore's got good enough protections now at the Burrow that I can stay here for the rest of the holiday," Harry said, frowning. He remembered that conversation. Sirius shook his head.
"No. You're not *ever* going back," Sirius said. Harry stilled, so many emotions rolling through him at once that he didn't know what to feel.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked quietly.
"I mean that you'll either stay with the Weasleys or… when I'm freed… with me," Sirius said. Harry looked searchingly into his face, then closed his eyes as he felt the familiar sense of being a burden.
"Harry!" Sirius said firmly and grabbed Harry by the arms. Harry gasped with pain, and Sirius' eyes widened in surprise. "What? What is it?" he asked Harry, who'd pulled his arm away forcefully.
"Sorry," Harry whispered. "It's just never healed right," he said, tenderly cradling his arm to his chest. Sirius froze as he realized what Harry was talking about. Harry's right arm, at the crook of his elbow where Pettigrew had cut him. Harry missed the myriad of emotions that darkened Sirius' face before settling back to concern.
"Pomfrey's potions didn't heal it?" Sirius asked, surprised and distracted from their previous conversation for a moment. Harry shook his head.
"It's scarred over and everything, but it's tender to the touch and it seems to rip open easily," he said.
"I didn't…" Sirius began, horrified that he'd accidentally reinjured Harry. Harry shook his head firmly.
"No, it's fine. Just sensitive," he said with an attempt at a reassuring smile. Sirius sighed and noted that Harry was growing paler by the moment as he stood before Sirius. Without warning, Sirius scooped Harry up in his arms and reached out to grab a blanket from his bed. "Hey…" Harry protested.
"Okay. There are some things that need to be discussed, but I'll keep it short because I know the rest of the Weasleys are anxious to see you. First of all, you are not a *burden*. You never have been. The fact that you think you are is just one more reason why you should have *never* had to stay with the Dursleys. You're a great kid with a huge heart. You're loving and kind and thoughtful. I cannot imagine what goes through your mind when you think of the *trouble* you'll be. Um, you have met the twins, right?" Sirius asked gently but with humor in his eyes. Harry smiled. Yes, he could imagine that to most adults they would be more of a handful than him. But Harry's smile faltered as he thought of the real fears he had staying with people he loved.
"Sirius," Harry said hesitantly. "I… If I stay with you or Ron… I'm putting you in danger," he finished. Sirius shook his head and jumped at the voice behind him.
"I'd like to apply some logic to that," Remus said from the doorway. He was leaning against the doorframe and looked to have caught at least part of their conversation. Harry watched him curiously as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. He walked up to Harry, who still lay cradled in Sirius' arms like a child. Remus tucked the blankets more snugly around Harry, who had to admit he was feeling quite cold.
"Logic?" Sirius asked Remus with humor. Professor Lupin was clearly in the house.
"You're Ron's friend, as well as the rest of the Weasleys'. You're Sirius' godson. These relationships put them in danger. But…" Remus said, raising a hand to interrupt whatever Harry was going to say as he opened his mouth.
"The Weasleys are already adversaries of Voldemort. They always have been, and always will be. *That* also puts them in danger, whether they know you or not. Sirius here is also an enemy of Voldemort no matter what, as am I. We are and will be, until Voldemort is finally gone for good, in permanent danger," Remus said. Sirius watched Remus with raised eyebrows.
"You are the only human being to have faced Voldemort and survived multiple times, true?" Remus said, and waited for Harry to nod. Harry was about to argue the semantics of that statement, but Remus raised his hand to stop him.
"True or false, Harry?" Remus asked.
"True," Harry muttered, clearly still wanting to argue.
"So, don't you think it's better that you're here with them, to protect them? If someone attacks, you'll be able to do something about it instead of reading about it in The Daily Prophet the next day," Remus said. Harry looked at Remus with haunted eyes.
"I couldn't protect Cedric," Harry said softly. Sirius made a choking sound and squeezed Harry tightly against him. Remus paled and his eyes widened. Harry didn't see the look the two men shared, but he did feel Sirius pull him close, allowing Harry to rest his head wearily against Sirius' chest. What could anyone say to that?
"Is Harry awake yet? Oh!" Ron said as he burst into the room, seeing Harry in Sirius' arms and noting the intense expressions passing between the two older men. He frowned for a second then ginned as he saw Harry's eyes were open, peeking over Sirius' shoulder. "Good morning!" he said happily. Harry smiled gently back. Ron's enthusiasm was always contagious. "Well, what are you all standing around for? Mom says to come to breakfast," Ron said with a roll of his eyes.
"Best not to anger the woman, Sirius," Remus chided gently.
"There is absolutely no need to tell me twice," Sirius replied, and Harry suspected he was speaking from personal experience.
As they traveled downstairs, Ron walked behind Harry and Sirius. "How are you feeling?" he asked his friend.
"Better," Harry replied.
"I hope you're hungry," Ron said.
"Why?" Harry asked, knowing he really wasn't and not looking forward to being forced to stuff himself. Weeks ago he would have leapt at the chance to have a big meal with the Weasleys, but now… Food just didn't sound appealing at all. Ron must have read the look on Harry's face because he looked sympathetic.
"Because I think mum's made it a personal cause to make you gain at least ten pounds. I overheard her talking to dad about it. She thinks you're so small because you're malnourished," Ron stated.
Harry saw the look on Remus' face as he followed them downstairs. Apparently Mrs. Weasley wasn't the only one who thought that. Harry groaned inwardly.
"What's the weather like outside today?" Harry asked, changing the topic abruptly.
"It's perfect Quiddich weather. Sunny and warm. Why don't we go outside after breakfast?" Ron asked. Harry knew he was in no condition to fly a broom, or even walk more than a few feet at a time, but the idea of being outdoors sounded wonderful.
There was a time that the Dursleys had used any excuse to keep him locked up or outside doing chores, but since last term he hadn't been outdoors more than a few times. Harry started as he realized Ron had continued to talk, and paid attention once again to his friends' chatter.
"I'm going to send an owl to Hermione inviting her to stay with us until school starts," Ron said with a pleased smile. Harry felt a twinge of guilt, because it was most likely because of his health that they'd extended the invitation. Normally, they didn't meet up with Hermione until Diagon Alley just before school started.
"Now don't go reading anything into that, Harry," Ron said with a frown, correctly reading Harry's silence. "Hermione's parents are going away for their fifteenth anniversary for a couple of weeks, and she was going to stay with an aunt. Mom found out about it and insisted she come here. Jeez, Harry, you're getting paranoid!" Ron said with a dramatic shake of the head.
Harry blushed in embarrassment, realizing how vain his train of thought had been and glanced downstairs to see who else was stirring about. He missed the sigh of relief Remus breathed and the 'thumbs up' Sirius gave Ron along with a big grin. Ron positively glowed under the Marauder's silent praise, then restored his expression back to normal before Harry looked back again.
Sirius wrapped the blankets around Harry a little tighter when he felt his trembling increase, and Harry closed his eyes for a moment, bracing himself for the barely contained riot which was the Weasley family, both eager to see them yet dreading it at the same time. Their company would be a welcome distraction. Anything to keep his mind off of the woman's last words which still echoed in his head. "Oh child, wake up," she'd said. He wished he could, and that it had all been a nightmare. Not his friends or Hogwarts, but Voldemort… He'd happily leave Voldemort behind.