Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, but wish I did. I'm just borrowing
him for a while to get my fix while I anxiously await the next book. I'm
not making any money at it either, darn it!
Nicky: As always, thanks so much for everything!!! Your input, enthusiasm, and gifted grammer skills (as well as your great eye for HP details) have kept me honest and happy (and there's nothing better than a happy writer… despite what everyone says!g)!
Kate the Great, Velondra, Phoenix, Rannchan, Lady of Arundel, prongsjr, vmr, Harriet, Kaydee, tsuki tatsu, kay, Gaby, Otaku freak, Hyper Princess, venus4280, Mediterranean Queen, lilahp, and Tanya: Thank you all SO MUCH for reviewing! I am so glad you're enjoying my story. It's terrific to get this kind of feedback, and has been a boost to my own confidence level as far as writing is concerned. It means a lot to me, so thanks again!
Lady Foxfire: Believe it or not, she's very significant, even though she makes such a short (and tragic appearance). 8-)
Lilly Potter: Sure, I think that would be nice. Thanks for the compliment!
Well, as always, hope you enjoy!
Chapter 8
Sirius watched as Harry rested wearily against an old oak tree next to a stream that ran through the Weasleys' backyard. The morning sun sparkled in the running water and the dancing lights reflected merrily back at Sirius. Harry seemed to relax a bit as he sat with Ron, his untamable black hair a stark contrast against the teal blanket wrapped snugly to help with the chills that had plagued him since he woke up.
Ron and Harry had been out back since breakfast, playing chess. Sirius had been waiting impatiently in the bushes nearby since Percy's arrival, furious at the unwelcome reminder that he still couldn't provide a decent home for Harry.
'But it won't always be this way,' Sirius promised himself silently.
Arthur had warned Sirius the night before that Percy would be coming by, undoubtedly sent by the Ministry. Arthur had sadly admitted that, as much as he loved Percy, he didn't trust his judgment about matters concerning the Ministry, and that he certainly couldn't trust him with the truth of Sirius' innocence. That was more than enough warning for Sirius.
It had been odd to watch Percy kneel next to Ron and Harry. Sirius, in his Animagus form, had heard clearly their conversation. Percy had tried to get Harry to open up, but although he seemed genuinely concerned about Harry's health, the questions he asked had been foolish ones and clearly not his own. Had Harry been sure it was the Dursleys who had hit him? Why hadn't Harry written anyone? Why hadn't Harry told anyone about the abuse?
Sirius' hackles were raised and he had to suppress growls at the questions, but Harry had been patient with Percy. As the questions progressed, though, Harry's silences grew longer, his voice softer and his eyes more distant. Percy fidgeted uncomfortably and began to squirm as Ron's fierce glare intensified with each question. After one particularly long silence, Percy cleared his throat.
"Gathered enough information for your precious superiors?" Ron hissed, surprising both Harry and Percy with his venom.
"What?" Percy spluttered. Sirius watched as Harry seemed to quietly withdraw even further into himself.
"I thought you cared more for Harry than this," Ron said with narrowed eyes. Sirius cringed as he watched Harry's eyes unfocus. He was still there, but clearly some sort of barrier had been erected.
'Is it to protect you from Percy, or Ron?' Sirius wondered. Ron certainly was intimidating when he wanted to be. No wonder Harry had been so distraught during the tournament when Ron had been jealous of Harry's nomination and subsequent participation. He certainly didn't pull any punches.
"I do care!," Percy protested, standing up and backing away. Ron sprung up after him, pushing his forefinger into Percy's chest to emphasize his points.
"Right, then. 'Harry, are you *sure* it was the Dursleys who hit you?'" Ron asked in a mocking imitation of Percy. Then his voice grew soft and thoughtful.
"Don't know, there, Percy. It was dark… *sometimes*… *at night*. It didn't happen often… *every day for over a month!*…It could have been a disguise… *Death Eaters dressed as the Dursleys!*" Ron said with a fierce snort. "What kind of questions are those?!" Ron asked in a rage.
Percy gave up backing away and was now jogging toward the house, his face contorted in rage and humiliation at Ron's brutal assault. Sirius watched Percy leave, satisfied with Ron's attack, and quickly sat beside Harry as Snuffles, deciding it was worth the risk. Besides, it was also highly unlikely Percy would approach Harry again anytime soon. Not with Ron around. 'Snuffles' whined softly and lay beside Harry, placing his head on Harry's lap.
"Shhh," Harry said absently, stroking Snuffles' head. Sirius realized with a start that Harry was unconsciously trying to comfort him. Harry's eyes still had a frighteningly distant look to them. His hands continued to tremble badly as he ran his fingers through Snuffles' fur. Absently Harry closed his eyes and rubbed his other hand against his forehead. It was an unguarded moment, and Sirius clearly saw the pain Harry still felt from his scar. Wishing he could say something, or talk to his godson, Sirius watched Harry for a moment. Harry's grimace disappeared as he opened his eyes and saw Sirius' concern.
"It's okay, Snuffles. I'm just a little tired," Harry said reassuringly. Sirius watched as Ron turned back toward where Harry sat, his rage already draining from his face. He looked at Harry and smiled cheerfully. The mercurial redhead wiped his hands on his robe and shrugged as he headed back to the stream, his steps jaunty again.
"You're probably okay here, but keep a lookout just in case," Ron instructed Snuffles conspiratorially and made a 'ooomph' sound as he dropped onto the hard earth beside Harry. Sirius remained where he was, with Harry's hand wrapped in his fur, and felt as the tremors began to ease. Turning his head, he saw Harry's eyes had begun to droop. Ron saw it as well and smiled slightly at Sirius. He picked up one of the school books he'd sat next to his chess set and began to read. Sirius watched Harry struggle to stay awake, the play of emotions across his face a clear indication of his reluctance to sleep. Finally Harry's head lolled forward, and Sirius decided he should let him rest rather than try to position him more comfortably.
Watching the gentle rise and fall of Harry's chest as he slept, Sirius remembered how Harry's hands had trembled at breakfast, bad enough that he had difficulty holding his fork and knife. Sirius had desperately wanted to intervene, and it was clear everyone else in the room did as well. Breakfast had consisted of lots of covert looks as Harry ate slowly and with difficulty. He hadn't eaten much either, which made Molly nearly apoplectic with concern.
At first Sirius had thought it was a cummulation of events that caused Harry's tremors and chills, but the more he watched Harry the more he realized that *these* were some of the symptoms Madam Pomfrey talked about. This was just a sampling of what his connection to Voldemort was doing to his body.
Harry dozed for nearly an hour after Percy had gone inside. Even in sleep Harry's face couldn't relax, and eventually he woke with a start, his head snapping back so quickly that Sirius jumped up, poised to spring for the bushes, thinking Percy had returned. Realizing Percy was no where to be found, Sirius returned to Harry's side and nuzzled Harry playfully, trying to distract him. He flopped dramatically on his back, legs sprawled up in the air and tongue dangling out of the side of his mouth. He nearly danced in joy as a sliver of a smile crossed Harry's face while he scratched Snuffles' chest.
"There's something kind of obscene when you do that," Remus told Sirius with a smirk as he approached them. He'd been with Arthur and Percy for a while, but appeared to have eventually extricated himself. Sirius wagged his tail and pulled his teeth back to reveal his own version of a canine smile.
"There's something I'd like to talk to you about," Remus said to Sirius after a moment, and Sirius righted himself, licking Harry messily on the side of his face, his gait bouncy as he heard Harry splutter indignantly behind him.
"Gross!" Harry said. Ron snickered.
Sirius followed Remus until they were both sure Harry and Ron couldn't hear them. Remus' tone sounded far too serious. Remus turned solemn eyes to Snuffles.
"Go ahead and stay as Snuffles for now. Percy's not left yet," he instructed. Sirius nodded, glancing back at Harry.
Ron appeared to have talked Harry into another game of chess. Harry must have felt Sirius' concerned gaze, for he looked up and smiled reassuringly. Sirius sighed and settled down on his haunches, gazing up into Remus' tired face.
"It's bad out there," Remus said softly. "The Ministry is in a panic. Fudge is frantic to find someone to blame these most recent murders on, because it *can't* be Voldemort," he said with a disgusted shake of his head. "He knows it's only a matter of time before these murders can't be hidden. Add to that Harry's fiasco at the Triwizard Tournament…" Remus continued, then paused to take a breath. Sirius knew he wasn't going to like this. "He's trying to push the Ministry into giving Harry Veritaserum and questioning him about Cedric's death."
Sirius began to snarl and knew his hackles were raised. His eyes automatically turned to the house where Percy still remained, and he might have done something rash had Remus not grabbed Snuffles by the scruff of his neck and held him in place. Remus' grip brooked for no argument. The werewolf was stronger by far. Sirius sat again, sighing as he stuffed down his rage. Besides, it wasn't Percy's fault.
'Although,' Sirius amended silently, 'after the asinine questions he's asked Harry, I wouldn't mind giving him at least a little scare.'
"Arthur is setting him straight for the moment, Sirius, but each day Fudge's grip on the Ministry is getting tighter. As cruel and inappropriate as it sounds, this questioning may still happen," Remus said quietly. "And if it does, Aurors will be coming to question Harry," he continued.
Now alarms shrieked in Sirius' head as he stood up, whining frantically. He couldn't let them get a hold of Harry. Once he was in their hands… He didn't even want to *think* about the things that might happen. Dealings with the Ministry of Magic tended to snowball. Once they had their hooks in you, it was nearly impossible to break free.
"He's The Boy Who Lived," Remus said, raising a hand as if to deflect some of Sirius' fear. "That provides a good amount of protection, Sirius. The public will not think kindly of Fudge questioning a fifteen year old boy with Veritaserum. Its side effects are much more brutal on adolescents than on adults," he continued.
Sirius didn't have Remus' faith in 'the public'. He'd seen how quickly everyone had turned on Harry and Hermione during Rita Skeeter's infamous articles, and he had absolutely *no* confidence that Harry would be protected once he was in Fudge's hands.
"I see you scheming," Remus said, breaking Sirius' concentration. "As much as I hate to admit it, we have few options at the moment. I know you just want to take him and hide, Sirius, and I completely understand. Under normal circumstances, I think I'd be suggesting it right now myself. But Harry's not healthy, and he needs potions and help only Dumbledore can provide. Voldemort is much stronger than he was before, and Harry's not safe. He *needs* to stay here for now. Give Arthur a chance," Remus said.
Sirius wanted to tell Remus that it wasn't Arthur he doubted, it was Fudge. It seemed so few people had Harry's best interests at heart. After what he'd seen at the Dursleys', Sirius even had doubts about Dumbledore sometimes...
"If they do force Harry to answer questions, Sirius, they'll also have to face his answers," Remus pointed out quietly. "Maybe Fudge won't be able to weasel his way out of Harry's testimony," he said. Sirius whined.
'At what expense to Harry?' was Sirius' silent question to Remus. He pursed his lips and nodded. At what expense indeed.
"Nothing's going to happen right now, Sirius. We've still got time… And maybe we'll even come up with some better options by then. But for now… I just wanted you to know," Remus said, his face dark. Sirius sat next to Remus silently, lost in his own thoughts. The tide could turn so easily in either direction. Sirius only hoped that Harry's luck would turn with it.
Percy remained in the house for another couple of hours. His talks with his parents began to be interspersed with the sounds of explosions and Molly's enraged shrieks. Fred and George, much to Sirius' and Remus' amusement, had taken it upon themselves to *rush* Percy's visit along. Sirius' heart lifted a little as he heard Percy bellow in rage.
'Nothing's happening today. We still have time,' he told himself and caught Harry's eye as he, too, listened to the activities going on inside the Burrow. Harry shook his head and exchanged a few words with Ron, a small smile on his face. Sirius hoped it wasn't wishful thinking that Harry's eyes seemed brighter and clearer than they had in days.
Once Percy had finally left, Fred and George joined Ron and Harry, clearly trying to make him laugh. With an entire conversation passing in just a couple of expressions, the twins abruptly left the boys and tore past Sirius and Remus, heading for the house. Sirius soon realized the twins had decided it was high time to lighten the somber mood Percy had left everyone in.
"Get the Wheezard Treats," Sirius heard Fred shout as he ran through the back door. Remus and Sirius exchanged nervous looks.
'Actually, that could have been George,' Sirius amended. He knew they enjoyed dressing identically just to make things difficult.
"Moody's Makeover will cheer him up!" George cried from inside the Burrow. Sirius cringed at the thought. He hoped it wasn't something that would remind Harry of what happened after the Triwizard Tournament, when they'd discovered Crouch…
"Uh…" Sirius heard Remus say nervously and start to stand up, intending to go inside and make sure they did no such thing. Feet pounding heavily upstairs told him the twins were already out of earshot.
"You will not inflict Moody's Makeover on Harry, George Weasley!" shrieked Molly in horror.
'Yep, that was George,' Sirius thought. Thank Merlin Molly heard them. Moody was the last thing Harry needed to be reminded of. He had enough problems with the dreams connected to Voldemort as it was.
"Sirius?" Remus asked thoughtfully as Sirius returned to human form, deciding the coast was clear. Remus folded his legs underneath him elegantly as he settled back down beside Sirius now that Molly had intervened on Harry's behalf.
"The Bludger Basics Kit, George. Ron hasn't seen it yet! It'll be perfect! He won't know what hit him!" Fred called from upstairs, then the twins streaked past Sirius and Remus again and bounded for the unsuspecting Ron.
'Poor Ron's going to learn of the Bludger Basics Kit soon enough,' Sirius thought, cringing in sympathy.
"Yes?" Sirius asked, turning his attention back to Remus.
"I really do think we still have time… But let's get some sort of escape plan in place for you in case those Aurors do show up," Remus said.
"And let's not tell Harry about all this. I don't want to worry him unnecessarily," Sirius said. Remus nodded his agreement, and they both settled to witness the most recent antics of the twins.
Sirius watched as Harry examined the latest prank inventions that the twins handed to him. He knew they wouldn't play any pranks on Harry, but nonetheless he watched them warily. Harry made appreciative comments and, a couple of times shot the twins a couple of warning looks directed towards Ron. This intrigued Sirius, and he made a mental note to ask about it later.
A small breeze swept through the trees, ruffling Harry's hair. He pulled the blankets tighter around himself as if chilled. In unspoken agreement, Sirius and Remus both stood up. It was time to take Harry inside. The twins looked up at the approaching adults with an evil twinkle in their eyes.
"Don't even think about it," Sirius growled with a raised eyebrow, and suppressed a smile as the threat succeeded in striking fear into the twins. Little did they know, any trick they played would be revisited upon them tenfold. It could be fun… Remus elbowed Sirius as if he'd read his mind.
"Don't *you* think about it," Remus whispered. Sirius cast a subdued look his way, but it was clear Remus wasn't fooled. The twins had no idea what they'd be in for…
Nicky: As always, thanks so much for everything!!! Your input, enthusiasm, and gifted grammer skills (as well as your great eye for HP details) have kept me honest and happy (and there's nothing better than a happy writer… despite what everyone says!g)!
Kate the Great, Velondra, Phoenix, Rannchan, Lady of Arundel, prongsjr, vmr, Harriet, Kaydee, tsuki tatsu, kay, Gaby, Otaku freak, Hyper Princess, venus4280, Mediterranean Queen, lilahp, and Tanya: Thank you all SO MUCH for reviewing! I am so glad you're enjoying my story. It's terrific to get this kind of feedback, and has been a boost to my own confidence level as far as writing is concerned. It means a lot to me, so thanks again!
Lady Foxfire: Believe it or not, she's very significant, even though she makes such a short (and tragic appearance). 8-)
Lilly Potter: Sure, I think that would be nice. Thanks for the compliment!
Well, as always, hope you enjoy!
Chapter 8
Sirius watched as Harry rested wearily against an old oak tree next to a stream that ran through the Weasleys' backyard. The morning sun sparkled in the running water and the dancing lights reflected merrily back at Sirius. Harry seemed to relax a bit as he sat with Ron, his untamable black hair a stark contrast against the teal blanket wrapped snugly to help with the chills that had plagued him since he woke up.
Ron and Harry had been out back since breakfast, playing chess. Sirius had been waiting impatiently in the bushes nearby since Percy's arrival, furious at the unwelcome reminder that he still couldn't provide a decent home for Harry.
'But it won't always be this way,' Sirius promised himself silently.
Arthur had warned Sirius the night before that Percy would be coming by, undoubtedly sent by the Ministry. Arthur had sadly admitted that, as much as he loved Percy, he didn't trust his judgment about matters concerning the Ministry, and that he certainly couldn't trust him with the truth of Sirius' innocence. That was more than enough warning for Sirius.
It had been odd to watch Percy kneel next to Ron and Harry. Sirius, in his Animagus form, had heard clearly their conversation. Percy had tried to get Harry to open up, but although he seemed genuinely concerned about Harry's health, the questions he asked had been foolish ones and clearly not his own. Had Harry been sure it was the Dursleys who had hit him? Why hadn't Harry written anyone? Why hadn't Harry told anyone about the abuse?
Sirius' hackles were raised and he had to suppress growls at the questions, but Harry had been patient with Percy. As the questions progressed, though, Harry's silences grew longer, his voice softer and his eyes more distant. Percy fidgeted uncomfortably and began to squirm as Ron's fierce glare intensified with each question. After one particularly long silence, Percy cleared his throat.
"Gathered enough information for your precious superiors?" Ron hissed, surprising both Harry and Percy with his venom.
"What?" Percy spluttered. Sirius watched as Harry seemed to quietly withdraw even further into himself.
"I thought you cared more for Harry than this," Ron said with narrowed eyes. Sirius cringed as he watched Harry's eyes unfocus. He was still there, but clearly some sort of barrier had been erected.
'Is it to protect you from Percy, or Ron?' Sirius wondered. Ron certainly was intimidating when he wanted to be. No wonder Harry had been so distraught during the tournament when Ron had been jealous of Harry's nomination and subsequent participation. He certainly didn't pull any punches.
"I do care!," Percy protested, standing up and backing away. Ron sprung up after him, pushing his forefinger into Percy's chest to emphasize his points.
"Right, then. 'Harry, are you *sure* it was the Dursleys who hit you?'" Ron asked in a mocking imitation of Percy. Then his voice grew soft and thoughtful.
"Don't know, there, Percy. It was dark… *sometimes*… *at night*. It didn't happen often… *every day for over a month!*…It could have been a disguise… *Death Eaters dressed as the Dursleys!*" Ron said with a fierce snort. "What kind of questions are those?!" Ron asked in a rage.
Percy gave up backing away and was now jogging toward the house, his face contorted in rage and humiliation at Ron's brutal assault. Sirius watched Percy leave, satisfied with Ron's attack, and quickly sat beside Harry as Snuffles, deciding it was worth the risk. Besides, it was also highly unlikely Percy would approach Harry again anytime soon. Not with Ron around. 'Snuffles' whined softly and lay beside Harry, placing his head on Harry's lap.
"Shhh," Harry said absently, stroking Snuffles' head. Sirius realized with a start that Harry was unconsciously trying to comfort him. Harry's eyes still had a frighteningly distant look to them. His hands continued to tremble badly as he ran his fingers through Snuffles' fur. Absently Harry closed his eyes and rubbed his other hand against his forehead. It was an unguarded moment, and Sirius clearly saw the pain Harry still felt from his scar. Wishing he could say something, or talk to his godson, Sirius watched Harry for a moment. Harry's grimace disappeared as he opened his eyes and saw Sirius' concern.
"It's okay, Snuffles. I'm just a little tired," Harry said reassuringly. Sirius watched as Ron turned back toward where Harry sat, his rage already draining from his face. He looked at Harry and smiled cheerfully. The mercurial redhead wiped his hands on his robe and shrugged as he headed back to the stream, his steps jaunty again.
"You're probably okay here, but keep a lookout just in case," Ron instructed Snuffles conspiratorially and made a 'ooomph' sound as he dropped onto the hard earth beside Harry. Sirius remained where he was, with Harry's hand wrapped in his fur, and felt as the tremors began to ease. Turning his head, he saw Harry's eyes had begun to droop. Ron saw it as well and smiled slightly at Sirius. He picked up one of the school books he'd sat next to his chess set and began to read. Sirius watched Harry struggle to stay awake, the play of emotions across his face a clear indication of his reluctance to sleep. Finally Harry's head lolled forward, and Sirius decided he should let him rest rather than try to position him more comfortably.
Watching the gentle rise and fall of Harry's chest as he slept, Sirius remembered how Harry's hands had trembled at breakfast, bad enough that he had difficulty holding his fork and knife. Sirius had desperately wanted to intervene, and it was clear everyone else in the room did as well. Breakfast had consisted of lots of covert looks as Harry ate slowly and with difficulty. He hadn't eaten much either, which made Molly nearly apoplectic with concern.
At first Sirius had thought it was a cummulation of events that caused Harry's tremors and chills, but the more he watched Harry the more he realized that *these* were some of the symptoms Madam Pomfrey talked about. This was just a sampling of what his connection to Voldemort was doing to his body.
Harry dozed for nearly an hour after Percy had gone inside. Even in sleep Harry's face couldn't relax, and eventually he woke with a start, his head snapping back so quickly that Sirius jumped up, poised to spring for the bushes, thinking Percy had returned. Realizing Percy was no where to be found, Sirius returned to Harry's side and nuzzled Harry playfully, trying to distract him. He flopped dramatically on his back, legs sprawled up in the air and tongue dangling out of the side of his mouth. He nearly danced in joy as a sliver of a smile crossed Harry's face while he scratched Snuffles' chest.
"There's something kind of obscene when you do that," Remus told Sirius with a smirk as he approached them. He'd been with Arthur and Percy for a while, but appeared to have eventually extricated himself. Sirius wagged his tail and pulled his teeth back to reveal his own version of a canine smile.
"There's something I'd like to talk to you about," Remus said to Sirius after a moment, and Sirius righted himself, licking Harry messily on the side of his face, his gait bouncy as he heard Harry splutter indignantly behind him.
"Gross!" Harry said. Ron snickered.
Sirius followed Remus until they were both sure Harry and Ron couldn't hear them. Remus' tone sounded far too serious. Remus turned solemn eyes to Snuffles.
"Go ahead and stay as Snuffles for now. Percy's not left yet," he instructed. Sirius nodded, glancing back at Harry.
Ron appeared to have talked Harry into another game of chess. Harry must have felt Sirius' concerned gaze, for he looked up and smiled reassuringly. Sirius sighed and settled down on his haunches, gazing up into Remus' tired face.
"It's bad out there," Remus said softly. "The Ministry is in a panic. Fudge is frantic to find someone to blame these most recent murders on, because it *can't* be Voldemort," he said with a disgusted shake of his head. "He knows it's only a matter of time before these murders can't be hidden. Add to that Harry's fiasco at the Triwizard Tournament…" Remus continued, then paused to take a breath. Sirius knew he wasn't going to like this. "He's trying to push the Ministry into giving Harry Veritaserum and questioning him about Cedric's death."
Sirius began to snarl and knew his hackles were raised. His eyes automatically turned to the house where Percy still remained, and he might have done something rash had Remus not grabbed Snuffles by the scruff of his neck and held him in place. Remus' grip brooked for no argument. The werewolf was stronger by far. Sirius sat again, sighing as he stuffed down his rage. Besides, it wasn't Percy's fault.
'Although,' Sirius amended silently, 'after the asinine questions he's asked Harry, I wouldn't mind giving him at least a little scare.'
"Arthur is setting him straight for the moment, Sirius, but each day Fudge's grip on the Ministry is getting tighter. As cruel and inappropriate as it sounds, this questioning may still happen," Remus said quietly. "And if it does, Aurors will be coming to question Harry," he continued.
Now alarms shrieked in Sirius' head as he stood up, whining frantically. He couldn't let them get a hold of Harry. Once he was in their hands… He didn't even want to *think* about the things that might happen. Dealings with the Ministry of Magic tended to snowball. Once they had their hooks in you, it was nearly impossible to break free.
"He's The Boy Who Lived," Remus said, raising a hand as if to deflect some of Sirius' fear. "That provides a good amount of protection, Sirius. The public will not think kindly of Fudge questioning a fifteen year old boy with Veritaserum. Its side effects are much more brutal on adolescents than on adults," he continued.
Sirius didn't have Remus' faith in 'the public'. He'd seen how quickly everyone had turned on Harry and Hermione during Rita Skeeter's infamous articles, and he had absolutely *no* confidence that Harry would be protected once he was in Fudge's hands.
"I see you scheming," Remus said, breaking Sirius' concentration. "As much as I hate to admit it, we have few options at the moment. I know you just want to take him and hide, Sirius, and I completely understand. Under normal circumstances, I think I'd be suggesting it right now myself. But Harry's not healthy, and he needs potions and help only Dumbledore can provide. Voldemort is much stronger than he was before, and Harry's not safe. He *needs* to stay here for now. Give Arthur a chance," Remus said.
Sirius wanted to tell Remus that it wasn't Arthur he doubted, it was Fudge. It seemed so few people had Harry's best interests at heart. After what he'd seen at the Dursleys', Sirius even had doubts about Dumbledore sometimes...
"If they do force Harry to answer questions, Sirius, they'll also have to face his answers," Remus pointed out quietly. "Maybe Fudge won't be able to weasel his way out of Harry's testimony," he said. Sirius whined.
'At what expense to Harry?' was Sirius' silent question to Remus. He pursed his lips and nodded. At what expense indeed.
"Nothing's going to happen right now, Sirius. We've still got time… And maybe we'll even come up with some better options by then. But for now… I just wanted you to know," Remus said, his face dark. Sirius sat next to Remus silently, lost in his own thoughts. The tide could turn so easily in either direction. Sirius only hoped that Harry's luck would turn with it.
Percy remained in the house for another couple of hours. His talks with his parents began to be interspersed with the sounds of explosions and Molly's enraged shrieks. Fred and George, much to Sirius' and Remus' amusement, had taken it upon themselves to *rush* Percy's visit along. Sirius' heart lifted a little as he heard Percy bellow in rage.
'Nothing's happening today. We still have time,' he told himself and caught Harry's eye as he, too, listened to the activities going on inside the Burrow. Harry shook his head and exchanged a few words with Ron, a small smile on his face. Sirius hoped it wasn't wishful thinking that Harry's eyes seemed brighter and clearer than they had in days.
Once Percy had finally left, Fred and George joined Ron and Harry, clearly trying to make him laugh. With an entire conversation passing in just a couple of expressions, the twins abruptly left the boys and tore past Sirius and Remus, heading for the house. Sirius soon realized the twins had decided it was high time to lighten the somber mood Percy had left everyone in.
"Get the Wheezard Treats," Sirius heard Fred shout as he ran through the back door. Remus and Sirius exchanged nervous looks.
'Actually, that could have been George,' Sirius amended. He knew they enjoyed dressing identically just to make things difficult.
"Moody's Makeover will cheer him up!" George cried from inside the Burrow. Sirius cringed at the thought. He hoped it wasn't something that would remind Harry of what happened after the Triwizard Tournament, when they'd discovered Crouch…
"Uh…" Sirius heard Remus say nervously and start to stand up, intending to go inside and make sure they did no such thing. Feet pounding heavily upstairs told him the twins were already out of earshot.
"You will not inflict Moody's Makeover on Harry, George Weasley!" shrieked Molly in horror.
'Yep, that was George,' Sirius thought. Thank Merlin Molly heard them. Moody was the last thing Harry needed to be reminded of. He had enough problems with the dreams connected to Voldemort as it was.
"Sirius?" Remus asked thoughtfully as Sirius returned to human form, deciding the coast was clear. Remus folded his legs underneath him elegantly as he settled back down beside Sirius now that Molly had intervened on Harry's behalf.
"The Bludger Basics Kit, George. Ron hasn't seen it yet! It'll be perfect! He won't know what hit him!" Fred called from upstairs, then the twins streaked past Sirius and Remus again and bounded for the unsuspecting Ron.
'Poor Ron's going to learn of the Bludger Basics Kit soon enough,' Sirius thought, cringing in sympathy.
"Yes?" Sirius asked, turning his attention back to Remus.
"I really do think we still have time… But let's get some sort of escape plan in place for you in case those Aurors do show up," Remus said.
"And let's not tell Harry about all this. I don't want to worry him unnecessarily," Sirius said. Remus nodded his agreement, and they both settled to witness the most recent antics of the twins.
Sirius watched as Harry examined the latest prank inventions that the twins handed to him. He knew they wouldn't play any pranks on Harry, but nonetheless he watched them warily. Harry made appreciative comments and, a couple of times shot the twins a couple of warning looks directed towards Ron. This intrigued Sirius, and he made a mental note to ask about it later.
A small breeze swept through the trees, ruffling Harry's hair. He pulled the blankets tighter around himself as if chilled. In unspoken agreement, Sirius and Remus both stood up. It was time to take Harry inside. The twins looked up at the approaching adults with an evil twinkle in their eyes.
"Don't even think about it," Sirius growled with a raised eyebrow, and suppressed a smile as the threat succeeded in striking fear into the twins. Little did they know, any trick they played would be revisited upon them tenfold. It could be fun… Remus elbowed Sirius as if he'd read his mind.
"Don't *you* think about it," Remus whispered. Sirius cast a subdued look his way, but it was clear Remus wasn't fooled. The twins had no idea what they'd be in for…