Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the excellent J

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the excellent J.K. Rowling.

The Secret Keeper IX

Harry was awakened shortly after the first light of dawn by a seemingly elated Sirius Black strolling excitedly into his bedroom, a look of the utmost delight on his face and a glass vial in his hand.

"Morning, Harry! I've a birthday present for you!"

Harry rubbed his eyes groggily and sat up in bed, wondering what his godfather could possibly be talking about.

"'S not my birthday…"

"Okay, so I'm a week early. It doesn't matter. Here you are! No need to thank me…"

Sirius offered the glass vial to him, which Harry now saw was filled with a thick dark red liquid that didn't look even remotely appetising. In fact, it looked like blood. Seeing the look of revulsion on Harry's face, Sirius smiled softly and explained:

"Madam Pomfrey delivered it last night, but you were asleep. She's pretty sure it will cure that curse Malfoy hit you with. We'll know soon enough…"

Harry continued to peer stupidly at the vial in his hand. Health was scarcely worth the price of swallowing such a disgusting looking mixture. He could even discern what appeared to be fragments of insects floating within it. Why is it that every potion she makes turns my stomach? I know…Change the subject.

"Hey, where's Ron?"

"He's downstairs. Now stop stalling and drink it! We've a lot to do today-"

"What do you mean?"

"Drink it and I'll tell you."

Harry reluctantly took a last look at the revolting concoction and then looked vacantly into space. Right. 'Count of three, then. One…Two…Three! He swiftly tipped the mixture into his throat and adopted the standard pinched expression on his face until he realised it actually didn't taste too bad afterall. I don't believe it.

"Right. Well done. I want to see you downstairs in ten minutes, and bring your wand!"

Sirius smiled and left, leaving Harry very confused.

"Wait, Sirius! My wand?! Why…"

"Hurry up, we don't have all day…" his godfather called as he descended the stairs.

Harry looked after him for a moment, wondering if he had indeed actually woken up. However, the sight of a shining silver prefect's badge on the bedside locker soon stimulated him into action. He hastily threw off the covers and changed into some clean robes, having forgotten to undress the day before. He grabbed his wand from its habitual position next to his pillow and ran down to the kitchen, where Hermione was waiting for him, a strained expression on her face.

"If you think I'm going to make your breakfast too, you can think again! The way some people around here are acting, you'd think I was no better than a…well, lets just say that I now have a far better understanding of the torments house elves are made to suffer. And don't give me that 'I'm so innocent' look, Harry Potter! It was your own godfather who came in here requesting two fried eggs, soft mind, three sausages, preferably 'brown all over with no white bits', a big piece of black pudding, a smaller piece of white pudding, baked beans, maybe some lightly fried mushrooms if there are any to be had, and two slices of toast, lightly done on both sides. Oh, and apparently the 'full English' tastes much better if its done the muggle way. Honestly…"

Harry emitted an infectious laugh that brought a grin to Hermione's normally serious face. She smiled covertly and joined him at the table, where he voraciously attacked a scone. Harry chuckled at her ridiculous attempts to look stern, the smile spreading unchallenged over her thin lips.

"'Just because I did it for Professor Lupin, Snuffles assumes I'll do it for him…And I only did it for Professor Lupin because he looked so sick after the full moon last night. I mean, really!…"

"It's alright, Hermione. I don't really care for fries. 'Brings back too many memories of Dudley…"

They were both giggling uncontrollably, when Ron entered the kitchen, an annoyed expression looking completely foreign on his familiar friendly countenance. Harry looked up at him anxiously and quickly stopped laughing. For a moment he was reminded of the Ron Weasley who had jealously refused to speak to him for days on end the previous year. I hope he isn't going to start that again. I better try to be extra nice, just in case…

"Hey, Ron!"

"They want to see you in the living room, when you've eaten."

"Who?"

"Sirius and Lupin."

"'Any idea what its all about?"

Ron just shook his head and left the room. Harry glanced at Hermione and noticed that her cheerful expression had been replaced by a look of deep concern and sadness. She continued to look at the door through which Ron had exited, but said nothing. A moment later, however, the expression vanished, almost as if it had never been there. Harry looked at her sympathetically.

"Don't worry, Herm'. He's just needs some time to grieve. It's probably best if we leave him alone for awhile."

Hermione just nodded and smiled weakly, "You'd better go in. They're waiting…" Harry quietly got up and left the kitchen. He stopped outside the living room door, listening intently as the sound of hushed voices reached his ears.

"Sirius, I really don't think Professor Dumbledore will approve of this-"

"What choice do we have, Moony? I'm sure he'll agree that this is the only way."

"'But its wrong…surely you can see that. Harry's just a child. He's too young to know how to handle this responsibly. We really should wait until Hedwig gets back with Dumbledore's answer-"

"I've already told Harry that I have something exciting to tell him. I'm not going to let him down now. Besides, Dumbledore might refuse-"

"…Exactly!"

"Moony, Harry deserves a chance to defend himself properly, and as his godfather, I don't care how irresponsible he is with it if the result is the death of Wormtail, or even You-Know-Who…. No, I'm sorry but there's really no point in arguing with me, Moony. I've decided. Now where is he…?"

Guess that's my cue. Harry promptly opened the door and entered the room, not caring if his entrance at this point in their conversation betrayed the fact that he had been eavesdropping. He was too excited to worry about appearances. Sirius was standing by the fire with an expectant grin on his face that seemed to make him look years younger. Remus, on the other hand, was sitting in an armchair, looking more exhausted and ill than Harry had ever seen him. His face was pale and drawn, and he seemed to barely have the energy to keep his bloodshot eyes open. He nodded to Harry by way of welcome and motioned for him to sit down.

Sirius also sat down and began to finger his wand nervously.

"Harry, do you remember what Professor Dumbledore said about that variant Cruciatus curse you were hit with, and how there was a possibility it could be adapted to make the killing curse more powerful?"

Harry gulped in surprise. What is he leading up to?

"Yes…why?"

"'Well, Moony and I, as well as other members of the Order of the Phoenix, have been working on this adaptation. Now, I know we haven't had much time, and that may explain why we've had absolutely no success with it, but it occurred to Moony here (though I'm sure he regrets telling me now) that you might be have more luck with it than us. You are quite adept at blocking Unforgivable curses, afterall-"

"Only the Imperius curse…you know, I can't block Avada Kedavra-"

"Yes you can, actually", Remus stated mildly, "The protections Lily placed on you can only be beaten by You-Know-Who since he was reborn with your blood, but no other wizard could possibly beat them. You cannot resist the Cruciatus Curse, of course, but you may learn to do so in time. For now, however, your skill in blocking the Unforgivable Curses may indicate a natural gift for performing them too. That's what we want to find out…"

"…Only if you're willing, Harry, and I want you to understand that I won't be offended if you don't want to do it. You know it's illegal to perform the Unforgivable curses on any other person, but I must also tell you that it is illegal to practice them if you are under eighteen years of age. It is also illegal to teach them to anyone younger than eighteen. Aside from the legal implications, you might not be comfortable with learning how to kill people, so I won't blame you in the slightest if you don't want to do this…"

"I don't know…Just 'cause I know how to kill doesn't mean that I will kill… I can see how it would be really useful, but what's the point in knowing how to use the curse if the very second I kill a Death Eater a dozen Ministry guards show up and throw me in Azkaban? Do they make an exception if you use it on Death Eaters?"

"Only if you can prove that the Death Eater tried to hit you with Avada Kedavra first", Remus muttered, "They generally use priori incantatem on the Death Eater's wand to verify your innocence, but this doesn't always work in your favour. If an underage wizard performs Avada Kedavra in self-defence, therefore, they may be found innocent of murder, but guilty of learning to use an unforgivable curse. It's a no-win situation, Harry, so if we teach you to use this curse, you must only perform it in extreme emergencies."

Remus yawned loudly and settled back sleepily in his chair. Harry remained quiet, trying to decide if he really wanted to know how to use the killing curse. I'd never be helpless again, and Ron and Hermione would be much safer with me to protect them. Why not? It makes perfect sense. I'll only use it if I have to. It's not like I'm hell-bent on revenge or anything…'But what if I could adapt it to kill Voldemort. No question…I'd do it. Wormtail? Malfoy? Well, they'd deserve it…Sirius could see that Harry was deep in thought so he turned his attention to a near-unconscious Remus Lupin.

"Why don't you go back to 'Bella's and get some sleep? You look terrible."

"I'll wait and see what Dumbledore says first. I still think we should have waited for his reply, though, Padfoot."

Remus' words slurred slightly from exhaustion, but he was alert enough to have the decency not to criticise Sirius too much in front of Harry. In truth, he knew that Dumbledore would be furious that Sirius had gone ahead and offered to teach Harry the killing curse without receiving his consent. There had always been a general unvoiced agreement that Dumbledore should take charge over Harry's education, and while Sirius seemed to have the moral right to make such important decisions for his godson, Remus couldn't help but feel that Dumbledore was the more qualified to do so. Dumbledore knew Harry's personality better than Sirius, who seemed to simply regard his godson as a smaller version of James Potter. Sirius needed to realise that Harry was not his father. He had his own personality, which had naturally arisen from his own unique upbringing. While James might have laughed at having the chance to learn the killing curse, he would never, at Harry's age, have actually considered using it. Harry on the other hand, had every reason to use it, and Remus wasn't sure that it was a good time for him to learn.

He didn't want to see Harry lose what little spark of childish innocence he had left by becoming a murderer. Somehow, it just didn't seem right.

Presently, Hermione entered the room carrying a letter. Sirius extended his hand, presuming it was for him, but she handed it to Harry, who seemed deep in thought

and annoyed at the interruption.

"It's for you, Harry".

***

Ron shuffled back to the living-room door and pressed his ear up against it, hoping that nobody would hear the swishing of the invisibility cloak as it brushed against the wall. That was close. For a minute I thought she'd heard me. 'Lucky it was just a letter…for Harry, of course. I bet he'll say yes. 'Anything to make him that little bit different from everyone else…No, he has every right to want to learn Avada Kedavra, I can't deny that. 'But so do I.

***

All eyes turned to Harry as he unrolled the parchment, but he did not read it aloud.

Dear Harry,

I am presuming that Sirius has already suggested that he teach you to perform the killing curse, with the hope that you will soon master it and be able to adapt it, thereby increasing its intensity. I know you will be very tempted to take him up on this offer, but I must caution you. You know better than most people the guilt one feels at having taken life, intentionally or otherwise. You have never killed and it is only in ignorance that you can be assured you never will. I am not telling you what to do. This is a decision you have to make for yourself, but please consider the matter carefully before making a decision. I am at your disposal should you wish for further advice. Just remember that it is your decision to make and you must not be influenced by anyone else's desire for revenge, however much you may sympathise with them.

Albus Dumbledore.

Harry re-read Dumbledore's letter, smiling at the tactful reference to Sirius near the end. Sirius had stood up and was looking straight at Harry, his eyes pleading for information.

"It's from Dumbledore. He just wants me to consider my decision carefully."

"Is there nothing about me?" Sirius asked incredulously.

"No. Why would there be?" Harry replied archly.

"No reason. So, have you considered carefully enough yet?"

Harry didn't hesitate.

"Yes. I'll do it."

A/N: Okay, sorry that was a bit short and rushed, but I did promise to get it up tonight. Hopefully it isn't too confusing. The next part will be up over the weekend. Anyway, thanks to all my wonderful, amazing reviewers. Please keep reviewing…Thanks to:

ryuu kaze-thank you so much for reviewing again. More about that strange dream in later chapters…

Caitlyn- you have a subtle way of making me feel obliged to get these chapters up on time. I don't know how you do it!

Harry's mum lily: Your welcome! More on Wormtail's mysterious friend later.

Julie: Thanks for reviewing. The dreams will be explained soon.

Firecross:Hey, isn't that email I sent you enough? You want more thanks? Ask my *&!£. Nah, just kidding. I'm eternally grateful for your dedication. Your ideas about Percy's underpants are a fic unto their own.

Rede: I'm so relieved you didn't flame the last chapter. I wasn't entirely happy with it, but oh well. I'm trying, honest…Anyway, thanks for all the kind reviews. Oh, and if you like cliffhangers, wait until you see what I've got planned for the end…Haha, giving nothing away!

Gohan hugger: Now now. I don't think Sirius and Remus would celebrate Harry's death with a bud, at least not my Sirius and Remus.

Mrs. Weasley: Thanks for reviewing. You're actually one of my author alerts.

Someone2: Hope this part delivers the goods…Thanks again.

Adelina: By way of thanks, I promise more Harry/Sirius interaction in later chapters (please don't take that the wrong way!).

PEZ: You're pretty much on target as usual, but not quite. The portrait is important, but I can't say how yet. As for your other questions, well I'll just say that I included a very subtle hint in that chapter as to where the Penna is hidden. Something about that room wasn't quite right…Haha, that should leave you guessing.

Sailorcelestial: Goodness! I guess I'll have to continue. Thanks as ever for reviewing!

Pleiades