Disclaimer: all characters belong to J K Rowling and Warner brothers.
a/n Story dedicated to Moppet Poppet, Cheating Death's 500th reviewer!
Ack! I was hoping you'd all forget if I'm silent about it, but yes, once WS hits 1000 reviews, the 1000th reviewer can choose whether they want a short story, PoM, or CD post. But those aren't quite ready yet, maybe I should delay posting chapter 24 just to buy myself more time… *schemes*
Of Western Stars
By neutral
Chapter twenty-three - of wand points
"No, it wasn't him. Please…" Harry whispered, obviously drained as he slumped against Sirius' shoulder. His eyes fought to stay open, and his hand fell slack and he coughed weakly.
"Harry?" Sirius said sharply, steadying the child as he sagged backwards. Harry was limp from exhaustion, so drained that he could barely lift his head. He only moaned softly in response, the sound lost in the folds of Sirius' shirt.
Remus stood stiffly in the middle of the room, Harry's words still echoing in his ears. He watched Sirius carefully, but the convict made no sign of having heard at all. Rather, he was more concerned about Harry, as he picked up a stray coat, wrapping the child's slight form in the clothing for warmth. He seemed almost unaware of Remus' presence, backing towards a stray chair and sitting with his back completely unguarded. Harry stirred feebly, but sleep seemed to be quickly claiming him.
Remus was devastated, bewildered, but oddly relieved at the obvious attachment Harry had to his godfather. He was comforted that the child had found the ability to trust someone so deeply. Sirius really seemed to care; he had been taking care of him, saving him in ways that he had not yet understood. But Remus was still perplexed by Sirius' actions. There was a strange sort of hope that was settling in the back of his mind; it made no sense, but could it…?
Remus watched, numb, as Sirius ran his fingers through Harry's unruly hair in an effort at comfort. He picked up the cooled mug and brought it to the child mouth, slipping the tonic down his parched throat. That seemed to alleviate Harry's coughs, and he drew several shuddering breaths. Sirius rubbed his back soothingly, whispering quiet words of reassurance. Remus took a step back, some of his previous anger fading into confusion and concern.
"Is he alright?" Remus found himself asking despite himself, talking several cautious steps towards the pair.
Sirius nodded distractedly, "Harry's fatigued. I think trying to move like that… it really drained him. He should be okay," the last statement had a desperate edge to it. "We should stop yelling. It's frightening him."
Remus nodded, averting his gaze guiltily. Sirius, a murderer, was taking better care of Harry than him in the few days he had known the child. It was almost sad.
But… could it be possible that Sirius wasn't the traitor? The child had voiced the possibility of Sirius being innocent ever since his arrival, but that could be Sirius' influence. Remus wasn't sure what to believe, but he couldn't accept the idea of Sirius teaching Harry dark magic.
Remus swallowed uneasily; Dumbledore was right, there was no way he could treat this rationally. He should have contacted the headmaster to moment he discovered them. Remus reached into his pocket and drew out a pale colored stone, tapping it lightly with his wand. It was a small message sender and receiver, designed to relay his location with a more urgent undertone. His movements caught Sirius' attention, and the convict watched him with a mixture of defeat, hurt, and disappointment. But there was resignation in his demeanor that sent a wave of guilt crashing over him.
"Are you calling the ministry?" Sirius asked softly.
"No, Dumbledore," Remus was surprised to see relief, and even hope written in Sirius' pale eyes before he looked away.
A strained silence settled over them. Remus fingered the polished stone between his fingers agitatedly, keeping his face neutral.
Sirius shifted the weight in his arms, easing him carefully under the covers. The movement jarred the oversized shirt, and the fabric fell from Harry's thin shoulder, revealing a patch of discolored flesh. Lashes crisscrossed the unnaturally pale skin; it was as if someone had etched purple and red lines all across the six year olds body. A footprint was still livid against his shoulder blade, a mass of black ink was stained against his neck.
"Oh god…" Remus choked on his words, blood draining from his face.
What…? How badly had the Dursleys hurt the poor boy? He knew that Harry was hurt, but he never suspected it to be this serious!
"What did they… how could they do this to him?" Remus whispered.
At those words, Sirius' glare hardened. "They left him, bleeding to death in that cupboard, just because he stole some food from his cousin."
Remus took a halting step forward, as if wanting to retrieve the child from his friend but unsure at the same time. He dropped his wand to his side, averting his gaze. "I went there the next morning," Remus finally whispered. "There was blood on the sheets, but I never thought…"
"Bruised possibly cracked ribs, fractured wrist, anemia, severe malnutrition," Sirius hissed bitterly, but there was regret in his eyes that veiled the rage. "Three hours later, Harry would have been dead."
Remus couldn't find the words to reply. He touched Harry's shoulder hesitantly, the threat of Sirius forgotten as he traced a reddish contusion that cut across half the child's cheek. The thick palm that struck him left an imprint so deep that the off coloration even spread onto his neck. Harry unconsciously flinched at the gesture, but Remus barely noticed. This was what his carelessness cost the child. This was what he could have prevented.
This was all your fault!
Remus snapped back into attention, the gravity of his situation returning. But he was completely caught off guard when he found Sirius watching him with an expression akin to concern.
"Remus?" Sirius asked cautiously. "You blanked out for a moment there."
Remus blinked, a bit disoriented by the overlapping memories of present and past. It was almost as they were at Hogwarts again, and he was returning to his classes a day too soon, and both James and Sirius would pester him and watch him like hawks.
Reality returned to him in a wave; Remus stiffened, quickly taking several steps back. "Sirius, why are you doing this?"
Sirius' arm tightening around Harry defensively at those words, almost as if he expected Remus to tear his godson away without a moment's warning. "Remus, there's been a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding?" Remus echoed, his weariness making him unusually bitter. "A misunderstanding so grave that you wouldn't have confronted us unless we caught you first?"
Sirius' eyes darkened at his tone, but when he spoke again, his voice carried an edge of desperation. "Would you just listen to me for a moment? You have to know, even if no one else does. I…"
"Black!" the shrill voice cut Sirius' next words short.
Remus spun around, a bit startled to see a flustered and breathless Professor McGonagall instead of Dumbledore, bun loose as if from a run, caught between a cluster of trash bags and empty styrofoam cups. Her wand was held out threateningly, and there was a fury in her countenance that Remus never seen before.
"Get away from the poor child right this instant," Minerva ordered sternly.
Sirius looked stunned, as if Minerva had just slapped him and flung scalding hot coals at his face.
"Move aside!" Minerva urged, raising her voice threateningly. Sirius snapped back into attention when she took a step forward, jerking to his feet so abruptly that his chair clattered against the edge of the table. He backed away from the bed haltingly, surprise and pain etched in his features.
Before he even realized what he was doing, Remus found himself stepping between them defensively.
Minerva didn't seem to notice the message behind his action. She didn't even seem to acknowledge him, her gaze unwavering from Sirius' face. "Portkey to Albus' office and contact the rest, Lupin. Albus wasn't in his office when the alarm was activated, and I came before I could alert them."
"Wait, Professor," Remus stepped back in an effort at restraint, reluctant to leave. He had been bitter against Sirius before, but when faced with the possibility of having his former friend thrown back in prison, he suddenly felt the need to listen to Sirius' side of the story. "I don't think its wise to contact everyone before Dumbledore arrives. There's a risk that Sirius can be seen. Knowing Fudge, he would never give Sirius a chance at a trial."
Minerva glanced at him sharply, lips thinned into a grim line. She opened her mouth as if to utter an enraged retort, but shut it again. She shook her head, oddly sympathetic. "The man deserves Azkaban for what he did. Don't defend him, Lupin. I know you two were good friends."
A soft moan.
There was a soft rustle of blankets. Everyone fell silent as the slight figure beneath the covers turned, aroused by the voices in the room. Remus could feel his back stiffening in apprehension; Harry would be nothing short of horrified with Minerva's treatment of Sirius. He was already close to hysterics before.
Sirius instinctively took a step towards his godson, Minerva forgotten as he turned his attention to the child. But the professor completely misinterpreted the gesture.
In two large strides, Minerva was directly in front of the convict, wand stayed above his heart.
"Don't move!" Minerva's voice was close to a hiss. "If you even touch the child…" The threat was left hanging.
"No, you don't understand," Sirius snapped, equally exasperated. "Harry's going to be frightened half to death when he wakes up. He's not going to understand what's going on."
"It's time someone saved the child from your influence," Minerva muttered. The normally stern, but inherently kind professor was unusually angry, but faced with a former student, the only student in the history of her house to betray light magic, strained her far beyond endurance.
"Saved?" Sirius repeated indignantly. "You don't even understand!"
"Padfoot?" came a soft, timid voice.
Remus paled, as if someone had spread ice in his veins. Sirius froze, blood draining from his face. Impulsively, he took a step towards the drowsy, but bewildered child, emerald eyes fearful as he took in the odd scene beside his bed. But a sharp prod at Sirius' neck halted him midway.
"Hush, child. Everything will be okay," Minerva murmured, sparing a quick glance in Harry direction. But those words passed Harry completely unheard, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on his godfather.
Harry stilled, eyes widening. "Padfoot?" he asked again, a desperate undertone laced in his voice. He grasped the edge of the bed with his undamaged hand, dragging his unresponsive body closer to the pair.
"Harry, just stay still," Sirius said haltingly, his breath logged uncomfortably in his throat with Minerva's wand embedded against his neck. "You're going to hurt yourself if you keep trying to move like that."
"No…" Harry whispered shakily. He struggled to sit despite his bruised and lacerated back, propping himself up with his elbow unsteadily. He turned to Minerva pleadingly, "Please, don't hurt him. He didn't do anything!"
Minerva was stunned into silence, jaw dropping in utter shock.
"Harry, don't. Everything alright, don't worry about me," Sirius choked out, expression twisting into a slight grimace of pain as he watched the fearful child. "Remus, stop him. Don't let him move around like that, he's straining his ribs… they're bruised; they really hurt him."
"Black, what have you done to the child?" Minerva whispered brokenly, question an echo of Remus' own only minutes before.
Sirius bristled with impatience, caught between wand point and his godson. "I didn't do anything to him!! I just didn't want to see him hurt…" Sirius trailed off as Remus approached, extending a cautious hand towards the shivering child. "Harry, just stay still. Everything's going to be okay. Trust Remus, alright? He's going to help you. He's…"
"No!" Harry gasped out, making a frantic grab for his godfather's hand. But his sprained wrist gave out under stress, and he made a small sound of pain. Remus caught Harry before he fell completely from the bed, placing a gentle but firm hand to restrain him. But Harry cringed at the touch, and he futilely tried to move away.
"Harry, calm down!" Remus urged, throwing a few helpless glances Sirius' way as he tried to subdue the frenetic child. But when Harry lashed out, pushing and almost clawing at his arm as he writhed to free himself, Remus wasn't sure how to react.
Harry scrambled towards Sirius again, unusually agile despite his injuries. "Let him go. You don't understand, he didn't do anything! Please…" his sentence broke in a fit of coughs, and Harry collapsed weakly against the tangled sheets.
Sirius' self-control cracked then, and he shoved Minerva's hand carelessly away as he dove for the child. Minerva responded with a sharp warning and retort, thinking to protect an innocent six year old from a murderer. It was pandemonium within seconds, with Sirius fending away his former professor as he tried hard to reach Harry. Harry was wide eyed and trembling, the screams and yells too reminiscent of his uncle's rampages. He was ghastly pale, curled in a defensive ball against the headboard. Remus urged them both to be silent, wanting to help Minerva, but wanting to side with Sirius at the same time. He had seen how attached Harry was to his godfather, saw the parental affection Sirius had to him. He faced the convict with mixed feelings.
"Stupefy!" Minerva's voice cut through the confusion like a knife.
A blinding red light filled the room for a brief instant, before Sirius fell limp and slumped heavily to the floor. Minerva dropped her shoulders, inwardly sighing in relief as she straightened her rumpled robes. Remus' throat was too dry to speak, but he stared at the still form of Sirius lying awkwardly on the carpet, feeling a surge of regret and guilt.
It was wrong, this was all wrong.
"Professor, I don't think we should have done that," Remus whispered softly, not meeting Minerva's stare. "I've seen how Sirius treated James' son, and I can assure you, he had no ulterior motives. He cares for Harry very much, that's undeniable. There's a possibility… Sirius could be… innocent."
Minerva drew a sharp breath, turning to Remus disbelievingly with an edge of anger.
"No…" A tremor ran through the soft, childish voice.
Remus stilled, jerking around to the child.
Harry's emerald eyes were large, glazed as if recalling a distant, horrifying memory that shattered his life overnight. He was white as a sheet, so still that he barely seemed to be breathing.
"No!!"
With a frantic lunge, Harry flung himself from the bed, stumbling into a heap on the thinly carpeted floor. Dodging Remus' restraining hand, he half crawled, half dragged himself to the still form.
"Padfoot?" Harry whispered timidly, tugging at Sirius' sleeve. But when he failed to respond, Harry became more disconcerted. He called his name again, prodding him on the shoulder, dangerously close to breaking down completely.
"Harry, Sirius is okay. Padfoot is okay, he's just sleeping," Remus said soothingly. He knelt beside him quickly, concerned at Harry's abrupt subdued countenance. He placed a reassuring hand on the thin shoulder.
Harry didn't flinch. He made no reaction of being aware of his presence at all. The child's bright green eyes were oddly dull, and he dropped his head against Sirius' shoulder as if he was too tired to even sit upright.
"Harry?" Remus said again, more urgently this time.
Harry was unresponsive, his haunted appearance out of place on his young face.
"What happened here?" asked another voice, a calm, commanding voice of a wizened old man.
*
For some reason, this chapter feels... humm... you know those pinball machines that take forever to get cranked up? For some reason, the WS plot seems that way. It's been on the little climax hill and never quite hit the top. What do you think? Repetitive? Well... I was trying to build the tension, but it seems... humm... well, I was trying to compensate by posting really fast. Ack...
Don't worry, I'm not that mean to make Harry go through all those injuries again. Ack… having to deal with those injuries plus malnutrition was bad enough for the past twelve chapters. This feels like a regurgitation of the last chapter, but only slightly more cranked up. *sigh* I don't know where my fingers were taking me when it typed it, but what the hell, it took me 6 hours writing it so you better read it!! PMSing today, sorry…
The last chapter was a cliffy? I… I didn't think so when I posted, but everyone else thought so, *hides*. Now this chapter was a ¾ cliffy! So I should be… unharmed right? *wears boots just in case so MercS & Tilly can't hurt me*
*hides* Sorry about that. Minerva is a bit cranked up. Sirius couldn't explain because he wasn't really given an opportunity. He was practically shouted at every time, and he wasn't sure how to start with Remus around. It seems skewed, doesn't it? *sigh* but you could always argue that Sirius wanted to wait until Dumbledore came, and had no chance to explain with Minerva screaming like that. The professor always seemed rather emotional when it came to extreme situations. Plus, she was six or so years younger. Well…
I'm glad you all found the last chapter realistic!! I was really worried that everyone would be furious, but got too attached to the chapter to change anything. *sigh* In other words, too lazy. But I suppose if I left out the stream of consciousness, for example: Remus suddenly felt really mad at Sirius and punched him, and Harry got really upset and attached Remus, that would deserve a flame. But that was basically what happened… *sighs again* Actually, there was this one version where Remus tried to punch Sirius and Harry got in front, except that would probably damage the poor kid far more with Remus' heightened strength, not to mention major guilt trip on both parties. *cackle* So that got thrown out the window…
Hey Kaydee! Very long review. Umm… in PoA, Remus probably believed Sirius a lot quicker because of the Marauder map. He realized that Peter was alive, although he did jump to the conclusion rather quickly, didn't he? Here, Sirius has no proof except for a rather disturbed six year old and his own memory. Well… there's always the truth serum, but that's not something people carry around on a daily basis. As for Remus not mentioning Peter, uhh… that's the my conscious showing through. Oopsie. I don't particularly like Peter, and he got jipped in Remus' to avenge list. *sigh* Ack… Oh, about the time travel fic, it got cut within the first chapter. So… Harry hasn't gone anywhere just yet. The other fic that I'm planning got incorporated into WS' timeline, a sequel of sorts, but… humm… donnuo how its going to work out yet. It's a dimension fic that has a weird twist to it, and right now, my mind seems to be screaming for that rather than PoM or CD. Ack... dangerous waters.
Harry didn't take the light well. Imagine a little kid having a flash back of the green light that killed his parents, only a red one this time. That wasn't the smartest thing to do to a naturally perceptive, deeply scarred, and very traumatized six year old. I agree, Allocin! Harry does seem very adorable when he's younger. It's a pity Rowling never expanded on that, but then again, *sigh* What's taking her so long to get out book 5?!?!
Tarawen, about Harry's POV… humm… its sad, I hadn't really thought about that. The last chapter sort of had to be in Remus' POV since he does some really drastic stuff and his stream of consciousness had to be outlined, but here… humm… a specific person's POV dropped since there were more characters involved. Ack! Harry's POV sort of falls out of WS afterwards. Oh no… *bangs head against the table*
This chapter was looooooong… it didn't seem long, but it's about 2 pages longer than all my other chapters. *sigh*
a/n Story dedicated to Moppet Poppet, Cheating Death's 500th reviewer!
Ack! I was hoping you'd all forget if I'm silent about it, but yes, once WS hits 1000 reviews, the 1000th reviewer can choose whether they want a short story, PoM, or CD post. But those aren't quite ready yet, maybe I should delay posting chapter 24 just to buy myself more time… *schemes*
Of Western Stars
By neutral
Chapter twenty-three - of wand points
"No, it wasn't him. Please…" Harry whispered, obviously drained as he slumped against Sirius' shoulder. His eyes fought to stay open, and his hand fell slack and he coughed weakly.
"Harry?" Sirius said sharply, steadying the child as he sagged backwards. Harry was limp from exhaustion, so drained that he could barely lift his head. He only moaned softly in response, the sound lost in the folds of Sirius' shirt.
Remus stood stiffly in the middle of the room, Harry's words still echoing in his ears. He watched Sirius carefully, but the convict made no sign of having heard at all. Rather, he was more concerned about Harry, as he picked up a stray coat, wrapping the child's slight form in the clothing for warmth. He seemed almost unaware of Remus' presence, backing towards a stray chair and sitting with his back completely unguarded. Harry stirred feebly, but sleep seemed to be quickly claiming him.
Remus was devastated, bewildered, but oddly relieved at the obvious attachment Harry had to his godfather. He was comforted that the child had found the ability to trust someone so deeply. Sirius really seemed to care; he had been taking care of him, saving him in ways that he had not yet understood. But Remus was still perplexed by Sirius' actions. There was a strange sort of hope that was settling in the back of his mind; it made no sense, but could it…?
Remus watched, numb, as Sirius ran his fingers through Harry's unruly hair in an effort at comfort. He picked up the cooled mug and brought it to the child mouth, slipping the tonic down his parched throat. That seemed to alleviate Harry's coughs, and he drew several shuddering breaths. Sirius rubbed his back soothingly, whispering quiet words of reassurance. Remus took a step back, some of his previous anger fading into confusion and concern.
"Is he alright?" Remus found himself asking despite himself, talking several cautious steps towards the pair.
Sirius nodded distractedly, "Harry's fatigued. I think trying to move like that… it really drained him. He should be okay," the last statement had a desperate edge to it. "We should stop yelling. It's frightening him."
Remus nodded, averting his gaze guiltily. Sirius, a murderer, was taking better care of Harry than him in the few days he had known the child. It was almost sad.
But… could it be possible that Sirius wasn't the traitor? The child had voiced the possibility of Sirius being innocent ever since his arrival, but that could be Sirius' influence. Remus wasn't sure what to believe, but he couldn't accept the idea of Sirius teaching Harry dark magic.
Remus swallowed uneasily; Dumbledore was right, there was no way he could treat this rationally. He should have contacted the headmaster to moment he discovered them. Remus reached into his pocket and drew out a pale colored stone, tapping it lightly with his wand. It was a small message sender and receiver, designed to relay his location with a more urgent undertone. His movements caught Sirius' attention, and the convict watched him with a mixture of defeat, hurt, and disappointment. But there was resignation in his demeanor that sent a wave of guilt crashing over him.
"Are you calling the ministry?" Sirius asked softly.
"No, Dumbledore," Remus was surprised to see relief, and even hope written in Sirius' pale eyes before he looked away.
A strained silence settled over them. Remus fingered the polished stone between his fingers agitatedly, keeping his face neutral.
Sirius shifted the weight in his arms, easing him carefully under the covers. The movement jarred the oversized shirt, and the fabric fell from Harry's thin shoulder, revealing a patch of discolored flesh. Lashes crisscrossed the unnaturally pale skin; it was as if someone had etched purple and red lines all across the six year olds body. A footprint was still livid against his shoulder blade, a mass of black ink was stained against his neck.
"Oh god…" Remus choked on his words, blood draining from his face.
What…? How badly had the Dursleys hurt the poor boy? He knew that Harry was hurt, but he never suspected it to be this serious!
"What did they… how could they do this to him?" Remus whispered.
At those words, Sirius' glare hardened. "They left him, bleeding to death in that cupboard, just because he stole some food from his cousin."
Remus took a halting step forward, as if wanting to retrieve the child from his friend but unsure at the same time. He dropped his wand to his side, averting his gaze. "I went there the next morning," Remus finally whispered. "There was blood on the sheets, but I never thought…"
"Bruised possibly cracked ribs, fractured wrist, anemia, severe malnutrition," Sirius hissed bitterly, but there was regret in his eyes that veiled the rage. "Three hours later, Harry would have been dead."
Remus couldn't find the words to reply. He touched Harry's shoulder hesitantly, the threat of Sirius forgotten as he traced a reddish contusion that cut across half the child's cheek. The thick palm that struck him left an imprint so deep that the off coloration even spread onto his neck. Harry unconsciously flinched at the gesture, but Remus barely noticed. This was what his carelessness cost the child. This was what he could have prevented.
This was all your fault!
Remus snapped back into attention, the gravity of his situation returning. But he was completely caught off guard when he found Sirius watching him with an expression akin to concern.
"Remus?" Sirius asked cautiously. "You blanked out for a moment there."
Remus blinked, a bit disoriented by the overlapping memories of present and past. It was almost as they were at Hogwarts again, and he was returning to his classes a day too soon, and both James and Sirius would pester him and watch him like hawks.
Reality returned to him in a wave; Remus stiffened, quickly taking several steps back. "Sirius, why are you doing this?"
Sirius' arm tightening around Harry defensively at those words, almost as if he expected Remus to tear his godson away without a moment's warning. "Remus, there's been a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding?" Remus echoed, his weariness making him unusually bitter. "A misunderstanding so grave that you wouldn't have confronted us unless we caught you first?"
Sirius' eyes darkened at his tone, but when he spoke again, his voice carried an edge of desperation. "Would you just listen to me for a moment? You have to know, even if no one else does. I…"
"Black!" the shrill voice cut Sirius' next words short.
Remus spun around, a bit startled to see a flustered and breathless Professor McGonagall instead of Dumbledore, bun loose as if from a run, caught between a cluster of trash bags and empty styrofoam cups. Her wand was held out threateningly, and there was a fury in her countenance that Remus never seen before.
"Get away from the poor child right this instant," Minerva ordered sternly.
Sirius looked stunned, as if Minerva had just slapped him and flung scalding hot coals at his face.
"Move aside!" Minerva urged, raising her voice threateningly. Sirius snapped back into attention when she took a step forward, jerking to his feet so abruptly that his chair clattered against the edge of the table. He backed away from the bed haltingly, surprise and pain etched in his features.
Before he even realized what he was doing, Remus found himself stepping between them defensively.
Minerva didn't seem to notice the message behind his action. She didn't even seem to acknowledge him, her gaze unwavering from Sirius' face. "Portkey to Albus' office and contact the rest, Lupin. Albus wasn't in his office when the alarm was activated, and I came before I could alert them."
"Wait, Professor," Remus stepped back in an effort at restraint, reluctant to leave. He had been bitter against Sirius before, but when faced with the possibility of having his former friend thrown back in prison, he suddenly felt the need to listen to Sirius' side of the story. "I don't think its wise to contact everyone before Dumbledore arrives. There's a risk that Sirius can be seen. Knowing Fudge, he would never give Sirius a chance at a trial."
Minerva glanced at him sharply, lips thinned into a grim line. She opened her mouth as if to utter an enraged retort, but shut it again. She shook her head, oddly sympathetic. "The man deserves Azkaban for what he did. Don't defend him, Lupin. I know you two were good friends."
A soft moan.
There was a soft rustle of blankets. Everyone fell silent as the slight figure beneath the covers turned, aroused by the voices in the room. Remus could feel his back stiffening in apprehension; Harry would be nothing short of horrified with Minerva's treatment of Sirius. He was already close to hysterics before.
Sirius instinctively took a step towards his godson, Minerva forgotten as he turned his attention to the child. But the professor completely misinterpreted the gesture.
In two large strides, Minerva was directly in front of the convict, wand stayed above his heart.
"Don't move!" Minerva's voice was close to a hiss. "If you even touch the child…" The threat was left hanging.
"No, you don't understand," Sirius snapped, equally exasperated. "Harry's going to be frightened half to death when he wakes up. He's not going to understand what's going on."
"It's time someone saved the child from your influence," Minerva muttered. The normally stern, but inherently kind professor was unusually angry, but faced with a former student, the only student in the history of her house to betray light magic, strained her far beyond endurance.
"Saved?" Sirius repeated indignantly. "You don't even understand!"
"Padfoot?" came a soft, timid voice.
Remus paled, as if someone had spread ice in his veins. Sirius froze, blood draining from his face. Impulsively, he took a step towards the drowsy, but bewildered child, emerald eyes fearful as he took in the odd scene beside his bed. But a sharp prod at Sirius' neck halted him midway.
"Hush, child. Everything will be okay," Minerva murmured, sparing a quick glance in Harry direction. But those words passed Harry completely unheard, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on his godfather.
Harry stilled, eyes widening. "Padfoot?" he asked again, a desperate undertone laced in his voice. He grasped the edge of the bed with his undamaged hand, dragging his unresponsive body closer to the pair.
"Harry, just stay still," Sirius said haltingly, his breath logged uncomfortably in his throat with Minerva's wand embedded against his neck. "You're going to hurt yourself if you keep trying to move like that."
"No…" Harry whispered shakily. He struggled to sit despite his bruised and lacerated back, propping himself up with his elbow unsteadily. He turned to Minerva pleadingly, "Please, don't hurt him. He didn't do anything!"
Minerva was stunned into silence, jaw dropping in utter shock.
"Harry, don't. Everything alright, don't worry about me," Sirius choked out, expression twisting into a slight grimace of pain as he watched the fearful child. "Remus, stop him. Don't let him move around like that, he's straining his ribs… they're bruised; they really hurt him."
"Black, what have you done to the child?" Minerva whispered brokenly, question an echo of Remus' own only minutes before.
Sirius bristled with impatience, caught between wand point and his godson. "I didn't do anything to him!! I just didn't want to see him hurt…" Sirius trailed off as Remus approached, extending a cautious hand towards the shivering child. "Harry, just stay still. Everything's going to be okay. Trust Remus, alright? He's going to help you. He's…"
"No!" Harry gasped out, making a frantic grab for his godfather's hand. But his sprained wrist gave out under stress, and he made a small sound of pain. Remus caught Harry before he fell completely from the bed, placing a gentle but firm hand to restrain him. But Harry cringed at the touch, and he futilely tried to move away.
"Harry, calm down!" Remus urged, throwing a few helpless glances Sirius' way as he tried to subdue the frenetic child. But when Harry lashed out, pushing and almost clawing at his arm as he writhed to free himself, Remus wasn't sure how to react.
Harry scrambled towards Sirius again, unusually agile despite his injuries. "Let him go. You don't understand, he didn't do anything! Please…" his sentence broke in a fit of coughs, and Harry collapsed weakly against the tangled sheets.
Sirius' self-control cracked then, and he shoved Minerva's hand carelessly away as he dove for the child. Minerva responded with a sharp warning and retort, thinking to protect an innocent six year old from a murderer. It was pandemonium within seconds, with Sirius fending away his former professor as he tried hard to reach Harry. Harry was wide eyed and trembling, the screams and yells too reminiscent of his uncle's rampages. He was ghastly pale, curled in a defensive ball against the headboard. Remus urged them both to be silent, wanting to help Minerva, but wanting to side with Sirius at the same time. He had seen how attached Harry was to his godfather, saw the parental affection Sirius had to him. He faced the convict with mixed feelings.
"Stupefy!" Minerva's voice cut through the confusion like a knife.
A blinding red light filled the room for a brief instant, before Sirius fell limp and slumped heavily to the floor. Minerva dropped her shoulders, inwardly sighing in relief as she straightened her rumpled robes. Remus' throat was too dry to speak, but he stared at the still form of Sirius lying awkwardly on the carpet, feeling a surge of regret and guilt.
It was wrong, this was all wrong.
"Professor, I don't think we should have done that," Remus whispered softly, not meeting Minerva's stare. "I've seen how Sirius treated James' son, and I can assure you, he had no ulterior motives. He cares for Harry very much, that's undeniable. There's a possibility… Sirius could be… innocent."
Minerva drew a sharp breath, turning to Remus disbelievingly with an edge of anger.
"No…" A tremor ran through the soft, childish voice.
Remus stilled, jerking around to the child.
Harry's emerald eyes were large, glazed as if recalling a distant, horrifying memory that shattered his life overnight. He was white as a sheet, so still that he barely seemed to be breathing.
"No!!"
With a frantic lunge, Harry flung himself from the bed, stumbling into a heap on the thinly carpeted floor. Dodging Remus' restraining hand, he half crawled, half dragged himself to the still form.
"Padfoot?" Harry whispered timidly, tugging at Sirius' sleeve. But when he failed to respond, Harry became more disconcerted. He called his name again, prodding him on the shoulder, dangerously close to breaking down completely.
"Harry, Sirius is okay. Padfoot is okay, he's just sleeping," Remus said soothingly. He knelt beside him quickly, concerned at Harry's abrupt subdued countenance. He placed a reassuring hand on the thin shoulder.
Harry didn't flinch. He made no reaction of being aware of his presence at all. The child's bright green eyes were oddly dull, and he dropped his head against Sirius' shoulder as if he was too tired to even sit upright.
"Harry?" Remus said again, more urgently this time.
Harry was unresponsive, his haunted appearance out of place on his young face.
"What happened here?" asked another voice, a calm, commanding voice of a wizened old man.
*
For some reason, this chapter feels... humm... you know those pinball machines that take forever to get cranked up? For some reason, the WS plot seems that way. It's been on the little climax hill and never quite hit the top. What do you think? Repetitive? Well... I was trying to build the tension, but it seems... humm... well, I was trying to compensate by posting really fast. Ack...
Don't worry, I'm not that mean to make Harry go through all those injuries again. Ack… having to deal with those injuries plus malnutrition was bad enough for the past twelve chapters. This feels like a regurgitation of the last chapter, but only slightly more cranked up. *sigh* I don't know where my fingers were taking me when it typed it, but what the hell, it took me 6 hours writing it so you better read it!! PMSing today, sorry…
The last chapter was a cliffy? I… I didn't think so when I posted, but everyone else thought so, *hides*. Now this chapter was a ¾ cliffy! So I should be… unharmed right? *wears boots just in case so MercS & Tilly can't hurt me*
*hides* Sorry about that. Minerva is a bit cranked up. Sirius couldn't explain because he wasn't really given an opportunity. He was practically shouted at every time, and he wasn't sure how to start with Remus around. It seems skewed, doesn't it? *sigh* but you could always argue that Sirius wanted to wait until Dumbledore came, and had no chance to explain with Minerva screaming like that. The professor always seemed rather emotional when it came to extreme situations. Plus, she was six or so years younger. Well…
I'm glad you all found the last chapter realistic!! I was really worried that everyone would be furious, but got too attached to the chapter to change anything. *sigh* In other words, too lazy. But I suppose if I left out the stream of consciousness, for example: Remus suddenly felt really mad at Sirius and punched him, and Harry got really upset and attached Remus, that would deserve a flame. But that was basically what happened… *sighs again* Actually, there was this one version where Remus tried to punch Sirius and Harry got in front, except that would probably damage the poor kid far more with Remus' heightened strength, not to mention major guilt trip on both parties. *cackle* So that got thrown out the window…
Hey Kaydee! Very long review. Umm… in PoA, Remus probably believed Sirius a lot quicker because of the Marauder map. He realized that Peter was alive, although he did jump to the conclusion rather quickly, didn't he? Here, Sirius has no proof except for a rather disturbed six year old and his own memory. Well… there's always the truth serum, but that's not something people carry around on a daily basis. As for Remus not mentioning Peter, uhh… that's the my conscious showing through. Oopsie. I don't particularly like Peter, and he got jipped in Remus' to avenge list. *sigh* Ack… Oh, about the time travel fic, it got cut within the first chapter. So… Harry hasn't gone anywhere just yet. The other fic that I'm planning got incorporated into WS' timeline, a sequel of sorts, but… humm… donnuo how its going to work out yet. It's a dimension fic that has a weird twist to it, and right now, my mind seems to be screaming for that rather than PoM or CD. Ack... dangerous waters.
Harry didn't take the light well. Imagine a little kid having a flash back of the green light that killed his parents, only a red one this time. That wasn't the smartest thing to do to a naturally perceptive, deeply scarred, and very traumatized six year old. I agree, Allocin! Harry does seem very adorable when he's younger. It's a pity Rowling never expanded on that, but then again, *sigh* What's taking her so long to get out book 5?!?!
Tarawen, about Harry's POV… humm… its sad, I hadn't really thought about that. The last chapter sort of had to be in Remus' POV since he does some really drastic stuff and his stream of consciousness had to be outlined, but here… humm… a specific person's POV dropped since there were more characters involved. Ack! Harry's POV sort of falls out of WS afterwards. Oh no… *bangs head against the table*
This chapter was looooooong… it didn't seem long, but it's about 2 pages longer than all my other chapters. *sigh*