Disclaimer: All characters and concepts belong to J.K Rowling.
Okay, I'm very upset people! Whatever way I changed over to the chapter system, I lost all my precious reviews for chapters 2 and 3. so I now have a grand total of 19 reviews for the three chapters (sniff-sniff…) Well, it just goes to prove that I'm a disaster area where computers are concerned and have no-one to blame but myself. So pleeeeease everyone review and help me rebuild my battered ego!
The Secret Keeper
Chapter IV: The
Burrow
As Harry stepped out of the Weasley's kitchen fireplace, a visibly strained-looking Mrs. Weasley immediately pulled him into a firm hug. Struggling for breath and with his nose squashed into her apron, Harry detected the rich scent of chocolate and felt his stomach grumbling. I'm starving. A thump behind him announced Sirius' arrival. When Mrs.Weasley finally released him, Harry caught his breath and looked around the homely kitchen. It was just as he remembered it: warm and cosy, with a decidedly rustic look that Harry infinitely preferred above the cold, sterile tiles of Privet Drive. He looked around at the assembled Weasleys, nodding to Ron and glancing questioningly at Fred and George who winked at him as though trying to communicate a secret message. Ginny blushed when he smiled at her, but did not look away. Harry was still gazing stupidly at her, when she suddenly broke their eye contact to look at her mother. Harry turned and felt his cheeks burning as he realised that Mrs. Weasley was saying something to him. The twins chuckled in the background, earning reproachful stares from Ginny.
"Oh, Harry, dear, I'm so sorry about your house. Your poor relatives must have been scared out of their wits"
"Yeah, thanks for letting me stay again-"
"Not at all, Harry. Dumbledore was going to let you come soon, anyway."
Ron approached Harry and led him into the corner.
"Hedwig's upstairs. Dumbledore sent her ahead to say you were coming. You got my letter about the spells and stuff being put on the house?" Harry nodded, "Well, I think I know what it's all about now. There's this witch been coming here and she told me-"
Ron suddenly stopped in mid-sentence, staring at Sirius, resplendent in maroon and gold. Sirius was looking far healthier than the day before He seemed to have calmed down from his despair at not being able to go to Privet Drive to protect Harry, yet he still seemed anxious about something. He was looking around the kitchen and trying to peer out the window as though searching for something, while simultaneously trying to rub a stain out of his robes. He had gained enough weight to fill his robes, and his hair was clean and combed. He bore a far greater resemblance to the man laughing in the photograph of the Potter's wedding, though his expression was darker and more alert. However, Ron had to admit that a Sirius without torn, scruffy robes and scraggly hair was faintly ridiculous. He didn't seem half as intimidating or impressive. Poor guy, dress robes don't suit him either. Sirius ignored the amused expressions on the Weasleys' faces and proceeded to wipe the soot off his robes as discretely as possible. Mrs. Weasley turned to face Sirius, while Harry quietly plucked a grape from the fruit bowl behind him.
"Well, Sirius, you're certainly looking better than you were yesterday. What's the occasion?"
Sirius scanned the room quickly, an anxious look crossing his face.
"Oh, emmm, no occasion. 'Just didn't want to offend you with my, emmm, habitual convict look. Afterall, you are letting my godson stay, so it was the least I could do to make myself, emmm, somewhat more presentable. These are nothing really. Blame Lupin, he did the charm-"
"Okay. She's outside, by the way."
" 'Don't know who you mean", Sirius mumbled.
Mrs. Weasley smiled knowingly and stuck her head out the kitchen door.
"Arabella! They're here!"
Harry wandered over to Ron and the twins and whispered, "What's going on?" Before they could answer, Arthur Weasley stepped into the kitchen, followed by a short, blonde-haired woman in deep purple robes. She smiled kindly at Harry before turning to stand next to Sirius. She was much shorter than Sirius, her head just reaching his shoulders, and was slim with deep brown eyes. Her long blonde hair cascaded wildly down her back in slight curls and this, added to her loose flowing robes gave Harry the impression that she was than fussy about her appearance. Indeed, she had a very relaxed and cheerful expression that Harry took an instant liking to. He looked after her as she stood next to Sirius, surprised that her eyes had not travelled up to linger on his scar. Almost every wizard and witch that Harry had ever met had looked for the famous lightening-bolt-shaped scar, as though to confirm his identity. Mr. Weasley introduced her.
"Harry, this is Arabella Figg. She's been improving the protections around the Burrow to make it safe for you."
Harry sighed inwardly, annoyed at himself for causing so much trouble for the Weasleys. Arabella simply smiled at him, as though searching his face. She looks familiar. Maybe she was at my parents' wedding.
"Hello, Harry. Don't you recognise me?"
Arabella Figg…Of course, Dumbledore mentioned her after the Triwizard Tournament. I don't think I've met her, though.
"Perhaps if I remind you of a certain incident involving a certain Playstation and a broken leg…"
Comprehension suddenly dawned on Harry's face and Sirius laughed at his confused expression.
"Mrs. Figg?! But you're too, I mean you're too-"
"Young?" Arabella prompted, "Yes, well, I'm not that young anymore, but I assure you this is my real appearance. Luckily, my sweet little old lady disguise allowed me to watch over you without attracting suspicion while you were growing up. I did it as a favour to Sirius here, not long after he was sent to Azkaban".
At this Sirius nodded grimly and took her hand. Harry was surprised at the gesture and at the look of devotion in his godfather's eyes. The two were clearly very close, and Harry wondered if they had been lovers before Sirius had gone to prison. That would explain the robes. Sirius and Arabella were looking into each other's eyes and, as though they were sharing an unspoken conversation, they each nodded, apparently in agreement. Sirius turned to look at him anxiously.
"Harry, I'm afraid we have another bombshell to lay on you. Arabella was good friends with your parents, especially Lily, and well, you know I'm your godfather, but did you never wonder who your godmother was?"
Harry was dumbfounded and amazed that the thought had never occurred to him. All those years, and they never told me…Why? She could at least have told me after I started Hogwarts and learned about my parents. Why didn't she tell me? I was so miserable during the summers and to think I could have been with her and asked her all about my parents…All those times I was in her house and she pretended to be some crazy old cat-obsessed woman…It was all an act. Harry tensed up, feeling the anger and hurt course through his veins. Yet another person who lied to me. He didn't notice as Mrs. Weasley ushered her children out of the room, leaving him alone with Sirius and Arabella. Harry raised his head defiantly and glared at his godparents. He looked into Sirius' concerned face and suddenly discovered that he hated his godfather with every inch of his being. Sirius approached Harry, his arm outstretched to hug him, but Harry recoiled, a look of utmost loathing replacing his normally good-natured expression.
"Harry, what's wrong. I thought you'd be happy", Sirius stammered.
"HAPPY?! 'You think I was happy growing up with no family, when my own godmother lived across the street and I didn't know it? You're ridiculous, you know that? You can't do anything right! You couldn't even save my parents-"
Arabella suddenly advanced on him. SLAP!
"How dare you say that! Sirius loved your parents, his only mistake was that he loved them too much. Lily would be so ashamed of you!"
Harry raised a shaking hand to his burning face. He could feel his throat constricting and hot tears welling up in his eyes. Arabella looked furious. Sirius was standing behind her, a mixture of hurt and shock in his face. Harry realised that he had gone too far, and felt terrible. He couldn't bear to see Sirius looking so appalled, and to know that it was all his fault. He opened his mouth to try to utter an apology, but it hurt to speak while crying and no sound came out, so he turned and ran out of the kitchen, up the stairs and into Ron's orange bedroom. He threw himself onto his own bed and buried his face in the pillow, his tears flowing freely.
***
Arabella put her arms around Sirius and led him over to a chair by the kitchen table. He looked devastated, almost as bad as the day she had visited him in Azkaban, a week into his incarceration.
"Sirius, you have to be strong. Don't let this place
destroy you. Peter's guilt will be exposed soon, and you'll be free".
"How do you know about Peter?"
"I love you, and I know you're innocent. It had to be
Peter".
"How could I have been so stupid? I told them Peter would
be a better Secret-Keeper, that I was too obvious. Lily and James trusted me…"
"You did what you thought was best. It wasn't your fault.
You have to stop dwelling on this. Think of little Harry. Isn't it amazing what
he did?"
"Yes, I can hardly believe it, but James always suspected
he was special. 'Bella, you will look after him, won't you? I hate to think of
him being brought up by the muggles."
"Of course I will. I promised Lily that I would, and as
soon as you get out of here we can rear him together. It's what they would have
wanted."
"I hope I get out of here soon, 'Bella."
"You will."
But Sirius didn't get out soon. He spent twelve long years slowly rotting away in his cell in Azkaban, just barely hanging on to his sanity through his ability to transform into Padfoot. I wish I'd known then about Padfoot. I would not have deserted him if I'd known. Arabella still felt guilty about abandoning him to the dementors of Azkaban and not visiting after that first and only time. She had looked at the other demented prisoners and feared that the same fate awaited Sirius. She didn't want to witness his inevitable descent into lunacy. For comfort, she had tried to convince herself that it would be kinder to him if she stayed away as, knowing his pride, he would not want her to see him so diminished. And so she had deserted him, along with everyone who had ever cared for him: Remus, Mundungus, his parents, even Dumbledore. She had been amazed when he had turned up on her doorstep in Privet Lawns a fortnight ago. She knew of his escape a year earlier, of course, but after a year had passed and he still hadn't tried to contact her, she had assumed that he still blamed her for abandoning him in prison. I should have known it would be the opposite way around, that he would think that I blamed him for betraying Lily and James. What a pair we are! She turned to look at Sirius, who was staring down at the kitchen table, a look of the utmost misery on his face. Sensing her gaze, he raised his head wearily.
"I didn't think he'd react like that. I knew I should have told him about you sooner".
"Dumbledore had good reason for not letting us tell him. I'm sure it was for the best."
"Do you think he'll forgive me? I've never seen him so angry".
"Sirius, I think he'll be the one asking for forgiveness. If he's anything like James, he'll be up there now punishing himself for what he said to you. I'm sure he didn't mean it. Just let him cool off for awhile."
***
Harry found himself soaring across the black countryside on the back of an enormous bird. The beating of its wings pulsed deafeningly, the sound travelling far and wide in the chill of the night air, and Harry was sure he'd be seen. For some reason it seemed important to remain hidden, but in the unquestioning acceptance of his dream-state, Harry didn't try to figure out why. He stretched his body forward in the bird's warm feathers and clung tightly to it's back. They seemed to be flying at ever increasing speeds until, after what seemed an eternity, they began to slow down and descend. The bird swooped sharply into a cave and glided stealthily through a dimly lit passage. They stopped at the entrance to a large chamber that was well-lit with torches and a large fire in its centre. Harry got down carefully from the bird's back and saw that it was a gigantic phoenix, with deep red and gold plumage. He gently stroked the beautiful creature, admiring its bright golden eyes and appreciating the warmth and softness of its feathers, but froze when a familiar, cruel voice reached his ears from the large chamber.
"You have done well, Lucius. Lord Voldemort rewards his loyal servants, isn't that so, Severus?"
"Yes, my Lord. It is an honour to serve you."
"It's surprising, then, Severus, that you saw fit to return to the house, when I ordered you to return immediately with the others".
"I apologise for disobeying your orders, my Lord. I wanted to make sure the curse had been performed correctly."
"You will not disobey me again, Severus! Do not make me doubt your loyalty! Perhaps a little dose of pain will remind you who your master is. Crucio!"
Severus Snape's screams echoed through the chamber, driving a chill down Harry's spine, yet he felt to paralysed to do anything.
"Come here, Lucius! I am naming you my Chief Lieutenant. Once I obtain the Article from Potter, you shall command my dark forces in the final assault. It is a position of great responsibility. Do not disappoint me!"
"No, my Lord. There is something else, my Lord. I discovered this in Potter's house…"
***
Harry woke suddenly in complete darkness. His head was throbbing and his scar was burning on his forehead. He reached out blindly for his quill and parchment to write down his dream before he forgot it, and searched stupidly until he realised he was no longer in his bedroom in Privet Drive. He sat up in bed, trying to remember all the details of his dream. A bird… Voldemort and Malfoy…A reward (what was it again?)…something else…Damn! It's gone already. Ron was snoring loudly in the other bed. Better go back to sleep. Harry lay back and closed his eyes, his body luxuriating in the warmth and comfort of the soft mattress. I could really sleep tonight, it's so comfortable. He turned over in bed, pulling the covers tight around him. That damn curse! Why do I have to get a headache on the one night when I could actually sleep? His head felt heavy on the pillow and was throbbing so intensely that it felt as if it was physically expanding and contracting, both from the curse and from crying himself to sleep. Banishing any hope of sleep, Harry got up and made his way slowly downstairs. I forgot to ask if Sirius was staying here. I wouldn't blame him for leaving now. God, I'm starving. He filled a glass with water from the tap, too lazy to use magic, took a scone from the bread-bin, and walked uncertainly into the pitch black living room.. He slumped heavily onto the couch and closed his eyes.
"Harry?"
Harry jumped in surprise at the sound of Sirius' voice and winced as the pain in his head redoubled. Sirius must have been sitting in the armchair across the room, but Harry hadn't seen him. He heard Sirius getting up and coming over to him.
" 'You okay? Why aren't you asleep?"
"Headache. Listen, Sirius, I'm really sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it, it just came out 'cause I was angry-"
"I know. I've never known you to lose your temper. That's more my area of expertise, but I can understand why you did. Harry, I wanted to tell you about Arabella, but we've never really had a chance to talk to each other properly, since I'm always on the run or busy running Dumbledore's errands. I was waiting for the right moment, but it was naïve of me to expect you to be happy and forget what you've suffered. I'm sorry for handling this so badly."
" 'But why didn't Mrs. Figg tell me? She had plenty of opportunities…"
Sirius sighed, "Harry, Dumbledore and Arabella felt it would be best if you didn't know, for your own safety and peace of mind. I guess they didn't want you to hear about me being locked up in Azkaban for betraying your parents. Once I escaped, however, Dumbledore gave her permission to tell you everything, but she wanted to wait until we could tell you together. Also, had you known about Arabella, you would have wanted to live with her, but it wouldn't have been safe. The Dursleys have protected you in ways you don't understand yet".
"That's what Dumbledore always says, but I don't see why I have to be protected all the time. I don't understand why Voldemort keeps coming after me. Is it just because of what my mother did to make him lose his powers?"
"Harry, I honestly don't know, and even if I did, I'd leave it to Dumbledore to tell you-"
"But you must have some idea…"
"All I know is that James always said there was something special about you. After you were born, he and Dumbledore spent a lot of time with you, testing your powers. I don't know why. You were an usual baby, unusual in that you showed signs of magical abilities from the day you were born. Most wizard children don't start performing magic until six or seven, and only when frightened or stressed in some way, but you could summon your bottle, and even Lily, before you opened your eyes. Perhaps Voldemort has set his sights on your powers. You're still young, and it'll be a while yet before you reach your full maturity as a wizard. I'd say he wants to get you before you become too powerful for him to defeat, but that's just my idea…I'm sure Dumbledore knows the true reason, though. He'll tell you when you're ready".
Harry yawned and shrugged in resignation.
"Why don't you go back up to sleep now? It's late."
"I can't sleep with this damn headache. I hope it stops soon, I have trouble enough getting to sleep as it is."
Sirius eyed him suspiciously, "What do you mean?"
"Nothing. You're right, it's late. I'm going up to bed. G'night!"
Sirius watched him leave, relieved that they were talking
again, but concerned about Harry's obvious preoccupation with his own
background. . Maybe I should talk to Dumbledore about him answering some of
Harry's questions, although that might just give him more to worry about. He
was too young to have so much to deal with, and his headaches weren't making it
any easier. Damn Malfoy. God help him if I ever run into him in a deserted
alleyway. There must be something we can do about him. I'll bring it up at the
next meeting of the Order. Sirius yawned and stretched out on the sofa. Well,
there's nothing I can do about it now. 'Might as well go to sleep. He
closed his eyes and relaxed into the cushions, sighing. 'Wonder what Harry
thinks of Arabella. I hope they get along okay. Right! Nothing I can do.
Enough! Sleep!"
A/N: I hope Voldemorts entrance isn't too melodramatic. He won't be a main character and I certainly won't be exploring his POV, as I think his menace and mystique are best expressed by leaving him in the background. I'm sorry for turning Sirius into a girl, but I think he may have designs on Arabella and so has naturally turned to mush, as guys do. Expect more action and cliffhangers in the next few chapters. I'll try to get part four up quickly, but it may be a few days (I hate exams, but I have to get this damn scholarship).
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, especially those who have done so from the start. It's very encouraging, and nothing else could tear me from my studies (yeah right!) to write this series.
Firecross: Wow! I almost feel compelled to review your review. It's as long as some of the fics I've read! Say, you haven't seen Star Wars, have you?! I think you'd like it J. Maybe I'll try a Star Wars/ Harry Potter Crossover next. Now there's a challenge. As for the Harry/ Luke Skywalker thing, I'll try not to make it too corny, but let's face it, Rowling must be leading up to Harry having some kind of hidden powers. Yes, it really could be ghastly, so I'll tread carefully. However, this isn't going to be another "Harry discovers hidden powers" fic. Personally, I think Dumbledore is Obi-wan, Sirius is Han Solo (older than Luke, but young at heart), Remus is Yoda (He is the brains of the marauders, afterall), Voldemort is definitely Darth Vadar (maybe he is Harry's father. You know, he could have raped Lily, but then how do I explain the similarities between James and Harry? Hmmm…Okay, maybe not.) Right, I've got it: James is Darth Vadar and he was actually a secret Death Eater. This would explain why he came out of Harry's wand after Lily in GOF. He was killed last, after Lily, and didn't die protecting her, but once she died he realised he wasn't such a bad guy afterall ala Darth Vadar and tried to save his son.) Amen to Fudge the Hutt. You mentioned a possible attack on the Weasley house. Well, I'm saying nothing, but you may find clues in this chapter. That Order of Merlin sounds good. I've been waiting long enough. Heck, I saved the Boy-Who-Lived from those nasty Death Eaters and their cruel curses. I'll be available for the presentation ceremony. Just owl me with the dates!
Harry's Mum Lily: Knew I could depend on you to review again. Thanks! The details of the curse will be explained in a later chapter.
Kay Hatter: Glad you liked it.
Person: likewise. Thanks for reviewing again.
Rede: No problem, thanks for saying you like it.
Demon_child: I can see you're desperate for me to kill someone off. Well, you're a frequent reviewer so I might repay you by doing so. Just try to keep Evil_Child under control in the meantime, if that's possible.J
Harry Potter addict: Great! I'm flattered.
Lizzy/ Tygrestick Yeah, poor Sirius, he's smiitten.
Maverick: Thank you, I hope you enjoyed this as much as the other parts.
Fiona: Glad you've gotten into the series, I made this chapter longer than I originally intended so this should keep you going for awhile.
Anya: Thanks for reviewing. I'll have to help poor Harry out soon.
Orion Black: Okay, calm down! I'm not turning him into a drag queen, at least not yet!
Amanda Mancini: This should clear up the whole embarrassing dress robe incident.
Person2: Great, thanks for reviewing!
Dr. Telli: Will do.
Adelina: Glad you're amused! ("Resistance" is looking good, by the way).
PEZ: Well, you may be right, but I'm not saying, so there! Percy is my least favourite Weasley too. You really shouldn't be giving me ideas!
RavenNat: Great, please keep readiing!
Pleiades
