AN: WARNING: swearing ahead.
This chapter deals solely with the incident in Dumbledore's office. It was hard enough writing this in the time I had. I know, don't say it, I've had three whole days. I haven't. I've had about half of Sunday. I was busy, busy, busy all weekend.
I can take being likened to Voldemort in my evilness, but likening me to Pettigrew? Now that would just be cruel. I stayed up to all hours just so Pagan Witch wouldn't do that to me...
Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers:
Madame Padfoot: I had to have something at the end of the chapter that would bring you back for more...
Pagan Witch: Its so much fun being evil. *cackles.... well, evilly*
Creamy Mimi: I HOPE this chapter is as good as the last...
Lee Lee: Something like that. Can't you just see Severus with a foot in his mouth?
Lisa: Siri, I'd say (which I can cuz I wrote the chapter) is going to blow his top.... the Matrix might be explained away if you're an Aussie
hermionegranger: I just hope this chapter lives up to your expectations
SilverWolf: Long live the Aussies. Did I notice the cute guy that played Justin? Was it possible to miss him? Especially when I've already seen the movie twice? Justin popped up cuz I didn't want it to be anyone else... I think. Either that, or they held my at gun point until I put him in. Can't quite remember....
niamh: Murphy's Law is funfunfun.
Crydwyn: heh. Well I had to introduce Sirius somehow, and I wasn't up to writing his reaction at the time. That, and it's just SO much fun to leave a cliffhanger... MWAHAHAHAHA
ManicGrace: you have reviewed before, but I'm not complaining. The more, the merrier. Kind of. Eh. I'm glad I can get you to read despite the slash.
Charon: Draco.... I'm not quite sure what happens with Draco just yet. I'm not quite sure why I chose that pensieve moment, but I liked it too.
Tantz: Yeah, well Sev has some fathering to make up for...
Elektra: Sirius will be doing his best to kill Sev I think. And are you saying you don't like Draco? *pouts* He's such a evil little cutie....
Asioleh: sorry to say, this fic is not at all a romance. That isn't to say that the SEQUEL won't be tho'. So no, Remus and Severus are not a couple.
SilverDawn: Yus, its very tough writing Siri's reaction. I have everybody else pretty much downpat, but not Siri. About the 'history': I'm not sure that there will be any more memories. But you never know, Harry and Sev might surprise even me = P
M. F. Luder: Do I get to come to the preview when you make the movie? I'd love to see it! And I'm sure you'd look nice in white ^_~ But seeing as you don't seem to want to visit to loony bin, here's the next chapter....
Pagan Witch: *trembles* You are the sole reason I'm posting today. I don't think I could bare being compared to *shudders* Pettigrew. Voldemort, I can handle any day of the week. But not that spineless little git.... Did I make it in time?
Mikee: I never tire of my regular reviewers. In fact I love you all! I get quickly bored with the predictable, and I'd hate to think that I was, so thanks for the compliment. ^_~ *pft... ah* the pause that refreshes! Hehe. I read that somewhere on the weekend, but I'm not crazy...
*grumbles* no-name: I like to be able to address ppl by their names ok? Anyways, no need to get greedy, here's the new chapter....
Chapter Sixteen: Words spoken out of order
Harry had the insane urge to step back into the Floo network and let it spit him out wherever it would. Surely that place - even if it were Voldemort's own living room - would be better than where he was right now. A glance back at Dumbledore's fireplace vetoed that option: the flames had already subsided back to their normal red dance and there wasn't a pot of Floo powder in sight.
With great dread, and no little wishing the floor would somehow open up and swallow him whole, Harry turned back to the scene before him.
Dumbledore was *still* smiling and his eyes were *still* twinkling, hands calmly folded on the desk. Harry didn't understand how he could be so relaxed at a time like this. Surely he could see murder - or at least grievous bodily harm - was about to be committed.
Remus had a rather panicked expression on his face that would have been amusing under any circumstances but these. He was clutching his parcels to him as though considering whether or not to duck behind them and try pretending he wasn't there.
In front of Harry, Severus had retreated behind his mask again. He was standing stiff and erect, no expression on his face. The only sign Harry could see that he was at all fazed by the situation was the white of his knuckles wrapped about his small parcel.
Sirius had taken an aggressive stance in front Dumbledore's desk and Harry knew it was only a matter of time before he did something he - or if not him, everybody else - would regret.
'What are you talking about Snape?' he snarled, managing to sound remarkably like Padfoot, 'What the *hell* is going on here?'
In a manner Harry could tell was simply going to inflame his godfather, Severus ignored Sirius completely in favour of addressing Dumbledore in a falsely indifferent tone of voice, 'Some warning would have been nice, Albus.'
'As Harry's godfather, Sirius doesn't deserve to find out from some article in the "Daily Prophet" that is at best only half-truth,' smiled Dumbledore.
Harry hadn't seen his godfather this mad since he had first meet him and Sirius had had Wormtail in his sights. Sirius took a belligerent step towards Severus.
'Find out *what* exactly?'
Severus turned disdainful eyes on Sirius.
'And here I thought you had been listening before, Black. Or does it go in one floppy black ear and straight out the other?' Severus smirked when Sirius growled, and Harry almost groaned. His father was having altogether too much fun baiting his godfather.
'Just answer the question, Snape: Find out *what*?'
Remus was inching his way towards the centre of the room. Harry realised he was attempting to put himself in a position to intervene if the two antagonists suddenly went for each other's throats. It didn't look like that moment would be far off as Severus answered.
'That Harry is my son, of course.'
Sirius took another menacing step toward Severus and Remus edged a little closer to the pair, 'Lying bastard. James is Harry's father.'
Harry cast a pleading glance at Dumbledore, hoping the headmaster would intervene before his godfather could kill his father, or vice versa. Dumbledore saw him looking and cast him a wink. It didn't look like the old wizard had any intention of stepping in. Harry supposed he shouldn't be surprised: The headmaster knew they had intended to return via his grate and had probably engineered the entire encounter.
Still clutching his parcel in one hand, Severus crossed his arms, 'Indeed.'
Sirius took several quick paces toward Severus, ending up not a foot from him, snarling into his face, 'What's that meant to mean, you slimy git?'
A black brow rose, 'I was merely agreeing with you.'
This threw Sirius off balance, and Severus used his confused silence to step around him and approach Dumbledore's desk. He set his parcel carefully down and leant forward over the surface.
'I don't appreciate your interference in my private life at the best of times Albus, but this time-'
He never finished his sentence. Sirius had recovered more quickly than expected and had stormed up behind Severus. Before Harry or Remus could do anything he caught Severus's shoulder, whipped him around and sucker punched him in the jaw.
Remus and Harry dropped their burdens - it was only fortune that nothing broke - raced several paces forward, then stopped, unsure of what to do; Dumbledore had stood up abruptly as Severus fell back over his desk.
Severus rubbed at the trickle of blood sliding down his chin from his split lip. It wasn't often that someone managed to take him by surprise. He stood up from his sprawl slowly and somewhat warily.
Sirius was flexing his bruised knuckles, 'I don't know exactly what you did to James and Lily, Snape, but you sure as hell deserved that.'
Severus laughed, shortly and bitterly, 'For perhaps the first time in your miserable life, I think you might be right, Black.'
Harry, Remus and Sirius gaped at him, but for different reasons. Severus worked his jaw a moment, insuring that nothing was broken. Once certain it would be fine after the application of a healing salve he had, he crossed his arms again and scowled at Sirius, 'But not, I would imagine, for the reasons you feel I deserve it.'
Sirius made to slam his fist into Severus's face again, but Remus latched onto his wrist, preventing the blow. Sirius shook him off and glared at him. Remus took a step backwards at the menace in that look. Sirius turned to confront Severus again, but kept his fists at his sides. His voice, however, spat venom.
'You don't think you deserve worse than that for raping Lily, you low-down, evil son-of-a-bitch?'
Dumbledore very casually pulled his chair out of the line of fire and sat back down, his expression clouded and unreadable. Remus flinched at Sirius's accusation. Harry gasped and stepped forward. He laid a hand on Sirius's arm and spoke for the first time since this whole episode had begun. Sirius's harsh expression softened a little as he canted his gaze to his godson.
'Sirius, it wasn't like that. If you'd-'
'Harry, leave it,' Severus interrupted and Sirius returned to glaring at him.
Harry's grip tightened on Sirius's arm, and he too turned to Severus, 'But Pater, he-'
Sirius exploded again, rounding on Harry and causing the boy to stumble as the arm he was clutching was forcefully ripped from his grasp. Harry shrank away from his livid godfather, shocked at the rage directed at him.
'*Pater*?' Sirius spat, 'You don't actually *accept* him, do you Harry? Tell me you don't *believe* his lies! For godsakes, Harry, the bastard's a Death-!'
From behind Sirius, whispering through his tirade, came the incantation 'Stupefy'. Sirius froze mid-rant and swayed on his unresponsive feet. Harry caught him before he fell and lowered him into the chair Dumbledore obligingly conjured.
When Sirius was safely down and Harry could look up, Severus still had his wand trained on the animagus. He moved to the foot of the chair and gently pushed Harry out of the way. Harry stepped backward until he was standing beside Remus. When Harry looked at him, the werewolf was pale and looking rather ill. Harry turned away again.
Severus was leaning over the frozen Sirius, glaring him directly in the still moving eyes, 'If you *ever* treat my son like that again, you'd better hope I never find out about it. If I do, you'll be cursing the day your useless father ever met your mother.'
Dire threat delivered, Severus straightened. He stood over the prone animagus, arms crossed and wand still at the ready.
'I hope your hearing has miraculously improved, Black, because I'm only going to explain once.
'I did not rape Lily,' Severus bent at the waist, bringing his face closer to Sirius's, 'And do you know *why* I did not rape her?' the voice took on a distinct hissing aspect, 'Because that would be incest.'
Severus waited until Sirius's eyes widened before straightening again. A thread of satisfaction entered his voice as he continued, 'Yes, that's right, Black, Lily was my sister.'
From the position he stood, Harry couldn't read the expressions in his godfather's eyes. Looking at Remus and Dumbledore, he realised neither of them could either: They were both watching Severus's face for clues.
The wand began to tap in Severus's hand, 'Now you're wondering how it is that I could be Harry's father if I never laid a hand on Lily. If you'd ever thought to use that minuscule excuse for a brain the gods cursed you with, you'd realise that Lily was only ever Harry's *aunt*, not his *mother*.'
Harry wanted to interfere, wanted to stop his father acting like this. Remus read his intentions however and stayed him with a hand on his arm. When Harry looked up at him, he just shook his head and turned back to Severus and Sirius.
Sirius was obviously struggling against the spell restraining him. He actually managed to break it enough to spit 'You unholy bastard. What did you do James's family?'
Severus brought his wand around and down, renewing his spell. For most outward appearances, he was totally unaffected by Sirius's attacks on him, but Harry noticed the white of his knuckles and the faint tremor in the hand.
Severus's voice remained steady long enough to say, 'You're stronger than I gave you credit for, Black.'
He stopped and took several calming breaths before continuing. But even then, his control had slipped enough that he leant forward, right into Sirius's face and seethed, 'I *was* James's family, you mangy excuse for an asshole.'
As he had leant forward, his wedding band had slipped from within his robes and now hung dangling in Sirius's face. Severus saw the other man looking at it. He turned it so Sirius could see the inscription on the inside, but felt no satisfaction when Sirius's eyes widened in shock this time. He felt only weary. He stood up again, tucking the ring away.
'That's right, Black. James was my husband. Harry is our son. Lily was only ever covering for us because she was my sister,' he turned away from Sirius then and addressed Dumbledore, 'If that will be all, Albus....'
He didn't wait for a reply, just plucked up his parcel from the desk and swept by Harry and Remus and out of the room.
Remus and Dumbledore stared after him, features set in rather startled expressions. Harry divided his attention between the empty doorway and his godfather. Sirius was still stiff upon the chair and Harry realised after a moment that it was because he was still under the effects of Severus's spell.
Harry turned back to the empty doorway again, still trying to figure out what exactly had just happened. He began to check the points off against mental fingers:
They had returned from Diagon Alley, discussing changing Harry's name. His father had inadvertently announced to his godfather his true parentage. Severus had ignored Sirius, inflaming him yet further. Severus had quite frankly told Sirius the truth. Sirius had all but decked Severus. Severus - for some yet to be fathomed reason - had felt he had deserved it. Sirius had made the same accusation that Harry had originally made. Harry tried to correct him and Sirius had rounded on him. Severus had intervened, casting a Stupefy on the animagus for daring to yell at *his* son. Severus told his literally captive audience that Lily was his sister and only Harry's aunt. Sirius regained enough control of his mouth to accuse Severus of interfering with James's family, then....
Harry realised he had run out of fingers and was still no closer to figuring out what had happened, other than that the truth had been broken to Sirius in a rather brutal manner. There had been no sugar coating in sight. Severus had dished up the bare bones of the situation to a spell- held Sirius and then swept out....
Leaving his son, his friend and his headmaster to deal with Sirius's reaction.
Harry dragged his eyes from the empty door and turned to look at his bound godfather again. The only part of him that moved was his eyes. They darted and flexed, glaring and staring alternatively. Harry lifted his own and looked at the headmaster.
Dumbledore met his gaze and read the half-accusation, half-question there. He answered it.
'It had to be done.'
Instead of responding Harry looked back down at Sirius. He felt Remus turn from the door at his shoulder and look down at his old friend too. From the corner of his eye, Harry saw Dumbledore raise his wand and utter the words, 'Finite Incantatem.'
Sirius's body immediately relaxed from its previous stiff pose, but other than that Sirius himself didn't move for a long moment. When he did, he sat up and looked only at Dumbledore.
'That's what you summoned me for, Albus?'
Dumbledore nodded, 'Yes, I felt you -'
'I wish you hadn't.'
Harry flinched, and at his side, he felt Remus do the same.
Sirius stood up, 'I'll leave now if you don't require me for anything.'
Dumbledore nodded rather sadly, 'If that is what you wish,' Sirius nodded once, shortly, 'Then I only ask that you return in a week's time. I believe I will have something to discuss with you at that time.'
Sirius nodded again and turned to Harry, 'Harry, you're still my godson and I still love you.'
Harry shuddered a little. He had been so worried that Sirius would reject him because of who his father was.
'Thankyou,' he whispered.
Sirius pulled Harry roughly into his arms and embraced him gruffly. Then he set his godson away from him, 'I'll owl you, okay.'
Harry nodded. Sirius nodded once more to Dumbledore and started for the door.
Remus pivoted on his heel, following his friend with his eyes. When Sirius started through the door, still without acknowledging him, Remus spoke.
'Sirius?'
Sirius stiffened in the doorway, but didn't turn. Harry seriously thought he was going to walk on without replying. Remus obviously thought so too, because his face began to collapse.
But then Sirius turned his head a little and said only, 'I'm not ready to talk to you yet, Remus.'
That said, he walked through the door and down the stairs.
Remus's face, which had stayed its collapse when Sirius had begun to speak, fell completely.
TBC
AN: sorry if it became a little too much about Sirius and Remus at the end there. It wasn't really meant to. It'll be back to Harry and Severus next chapter.
I also don't know about Harry's character at the end there.... Was it okay?
Anywho, that's how I dealt with Sirius's reaction. Which isn't quite over and done with by the way.
This chapter deals solely with the incident in Dumbledore's office. It was hard enough writing this in the time I had. I know, don't say it, I've had three whole days. I haven't. I've had about half of Sunday. I was busy, busy, busy all weekend.
I can take being likened to Voldemort in my evilness, but likening me to Pettigrew? Now that would just be cruel. I stayed up to all hours just so Pagan Witch wouldn't do that to me...
Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers:
Madame Padfoot: I had to have something at the end of the chapter that would bring you back for more...
Pagan Witch: Its so much fun being evil. *cackles.... well, evilly*
Creamy Mimi: I HOPE this chapter is as good as the last...
Lee Lee: Something like that. Can't you just see Severus with a foot in his mouth?
Lisa: Siri, I'd say (which I can cuz I wrote the chapter) is going to blow his top.... the Matrix might be explained away if you're an Aussie
hermionegranger: I just hope this chapter lives up to your expectations
SilverWolf: Long live the Aussies. Did I notice the cute guy that played Justin? Was it possible to miss him? Especially when I've already seen the movie twice? Justin popped up cuz I didn't want it to be anyone else... I think. Either that, or they held my at gun point until I put him in. Can't quite remember....
niamh: Murphy's Law is funfunfun.
Crydwyn: heh. Well I had to introduce Sirius somehow, and I wasn't up to writing his reaction at the time. That, and it's just SO much fun to leave a cliffhanger... MWAHAHAHAHA
ManicGrace: you have reviewed before, but I'm not complaining. The more, the merrier. Kind of. Eh. I'm glad I can get you to read despite the slash.
Charon: Draco.... I'm not quite sure what happens with Draco just yet. I'm not quite sure why I chose that pensieve moment, but I liked it too.
Tantz: Yeah, well Sev has some fathering to make up for...
Elektra: Sirius will be doing his best to kill Sev I think. And are you saying you don't like Draco? *pouts* He's such a evil little cutie....
Asioleh: sorry to say, this fic is not at all a romance. That isn't to say that the SEQUEL won't be tho'. So no, Remus and Severus are not a couple.
SilverDawn: Yus, its very tough writing Siri's reaction. I have everybody else pretty much downpat, but not Siri. About the 'history': I'm not sure that there will be any more memories. But you never know, Harry and Sev might surprise even me = P
M. F. Luder: Do I get to come to the preview when you make the movie? I'd love to see it! And I'm sure you'd look nice in white ^_~ But seeing as you don't seem to want to visit to loony bin, here's the next chapter....
Pagan Witch: *trembles* You are the sole reason I'm posting today. I don't think I could bare being compared to *shudders* Pettigrew. Voldemort, I can handle any day of the week. But not that spineless little git.... Did I make it in time?
Mikee: I never tire of my regular reviewers. In fact I love you all! I get quickly bored with the predictable, and I'd hate to think that I was, so thanks for the compliment. ^_~ *pft... ah* the pause that refreshes! Hehe. I read that somewhere on the weekend, but I'm not crazy...
*grumbles* no-name: I like to be able to address ppl by their names ok? Anyways, no need to get greedy, here's the new chapter....
Chapter Sixteen: Words spoken out of order
Harry had the insane urge to step back into the Floo network and let it spit him out wherever it would. Surely that place - even if it were Voldemort's own living room - would be better than where he was right now. A glance back at Dumbledore's fireplace vetoed that option: the flames had already subsided back to their normal red dance and there wasn't a pot of Floo powder in sight.
With great dread, and no little wishing the floor would somehow open up and swallow him whole, Harry turned back to the scene before him.
Dumbledore was *still* smiling and his eyes were *still* twinkling, hands calmly folded on the desk. Harry didn't understand how he could be so relaxed at a time like this. Surely he could see murder - or at least grievous bodily harm - was about to be committed.
Remus had a rather panicked expression on his face that would have been amusing under any circumstances but these. He was clutching his parcels to him as though considering whether or not to duck behind them and try pretending he wasn't there.
In front of Harry, Severus had retreated behind his mask again. He was standing stiff and erect, no expression on his face. The only sign Harry could see that he was at all fazed by the situation was the white of his knuckles wrapped about his small parcel.
Sirius had taken an aggressive stance in front Dumbledore's desk and Harry knew it was only a matter of time before he did something he - or if not him, everybody else - would regret.
'What are you talking about Snape?' he snarled, managing to sound remarkably like Padfoot, 'What the *hell* is going on here?'
In a manner Harry could tell was simply going to inflame his godfather, Severus ignored Sirius completely in favour of addressing Dumbledore in a falsely indifferent tone of voice, 'Some warning would have been nice, Albus.'
'As Harry's godfather, Sirius doesn't deserve to find out from some article in the "Daily Prophet" that is at best only half-truth,' smiled Dumbledore.
Harry hadn't seen his godfather this mad since he had first meet him and Sirius had had Wormtail in his sights. Sirius took a belligerent step towards Severus.
'Find out *what* exactly?'
Severus turned disdainful eyes on Sirius.
'And here I thought you had been listening before, Black. Or does it go in one floppy black ear and straight out the other?' Severus smirked when Sirius growled, and Harry almost groaned. His father was having altogether too much fun baiting his godfather.
'Just answer the question, Snape: Find out *what*?'
Remus was inching his way towards the centre of the room. Harry realised he was attempting to put himself in a position to intervene if the two antagonists suddenly went for each other's throats. It didn't look like that moment would be far off as Severus answered.
'That Harry is my son, of course.'
Sirius took another menacing step toward Severus and Remus edged a little closer to the pair, 'Lying bastard. James is Harry's father.'
Harry cast a pleading glance at Dumbledore, hoping the headmaster would intervene before his godfather could kill his father, or vice versa. Dumbledore saw him looking and cast him a wink. It didn't look like the old wizard had any intention of stepping in. Harry supposed he shouldn't be surprised: The headmaster knew they had intended to return via his grate and had probably engineered the entire encounter.
Still clutching his parcel in one hand, Severus crossed his arms, 'Indeed.'
Sirius took several quick paces toward Severus, ending up not a foot from him, snarling into his face, 'What's that meant to mean, you slimy git?'
A black brow rose, 'I was merely agreeing with you.'
This threw Sirius off balance, and Severus used his confused silence to step around him and approach Dumbledore's desk. He set his parcel carefully down and leant forward over the surface.
'I don't appreciate your interference in my private life at the best of times Albus, but this time-'
He never finished his sentence. Sirius had recovered more quickly than expected and had stormed up behind Severus. Before Harry or Remus could do anything he caught Severus's shoulder, whipped him around and sucker punched him in the jaw.
Remus and Harry dropped their burdens - it was only fortune that nothing broke - raced several paces forward, then stopped, unsure of what to do; Dumbledore had stood up abruptly as Severus fell back over his desk.
Severus rubbed at the trickle of blood sliding down his chin from his split lip. It wasn't often that someone managed to take him by surprise. He stood up from his sprawl slowly and somewhat warily.
Sirius was flexing his bruised knuckles, 'I don't know exactly what you did to James and Lily, Snape, but you sure as hell deserved that.'
Severus laughed, shortly and bitterly, 'For perhaps the first time in your miserable life, I think you might be right, Black.'
Harry, Remus and Sirius gaped at him, but for different reasons. Severus worked his jaw a moment, insuring that nothing was broken. Once certain it would be fine after the application of a healing salve he had, he crossed his arms again and scowled at Sirius, 'But not, I would imagine, for the reasons you feel I deserve it.'
Sirius made to slam his fist into Severus's face again, but Remus latched onto his wrist, preventing the blow. Sirius shook him off and glared at him. Remus took a step backwards at the menace in that look. Sirius turned to confront Severus again, but kept his fists at his sides. His voice, however, spat venom.
'You don't think you deserve worse than that for raping Lily, you low-down, evil son-of-a-bitch?'
Dumbledore very casually pulled his chair out of the line of fire and sat back down, his expression clouded and unreadable. Remus flinched at Sirius's accusation. Harry gasped and stepped forward. He laid a hand on Sirius's arm and spoke for the first time since this whole episode had begun. Sirius's harsh expression softened a little as he canted his gaze to his godson.
'Sirius, it wasn't like that. If you'd-'
'Harry, leave it,' Severus interrupted and Sirius returned to glaring at him.
Harry's grip tightened on Sirius's arm, and he too turned to Severus, 'But Pater, he-'
Sirius exploded again, rounding on Harry and causing the boy to stumble as the arm he was clutching was forcefully ripped from his grasp. Harry shrank away from his livid godfather, shocked at the rage directed at him.
'*Pater*?' Sirius spat, 'You don't actually *accept* him, do you Harry? Tell me you don't *believe* his lies! For godsakes, Harry, the bastard's a Death-!'
From behind Sirius, whispering through his tirade, came the incantation 'Stupefy'. Sirius froze mid-rant and swayed on his unresponsive feet. Harry caught him before he fell and lowered him into the chair Dumbledore obligingly conjured.
When Sirius was safely down and Harry could look up, Severus still had his wand trained on the animagus. He moved to the foot of the chair and gently pushed Harry out of the way. Harry stepped backward until he was standing beside Remus. When Harry looked at him, the werewolf was pale and looking rather ill. Harry turned away again.
Severus was leaning over the frozen Sirius, glaring him directly in the still moving eyes, 'If you *ever* treat my son like that again, you'd better hope I never find out about it. If I do, you'll be cursing the day your useless father ever met your mother.'
Dire threat delivered, Severus straightened. He stood over the prone animagus, arms crossed and wand still at the ready.
'I hope your hearing has miraculously improved, Black, because I'm only going to explain once.
'I did not rape Lily,' Severus bent at the waist, bringing his face closer to Sirius's, 'And do you know *why* I did not rape her?' the voice took on a distinct hissing aspect, 'Because that would be incest.'
Severus waited until Sirius's eyes widened before straightening again. A thread of satisfaction entered his voice as he continued, 'Yes, that's right, Black, Lily was my sister.'
From the position he stood, Harry couldn't read the expressions in his godfather's eyes. Looking at Remus and Dumbledore, he realised neither of them could either: They were both watching Severus's face for clues.
The wand began to tap in Severus's hand, 'Now you're wondering how it is that I could be Harry's father if I never laid a hand on Lily. If you'd ever thought to use that minuscule excuse for a brain the gods cursed you with, you'd realise that Lily was only ever Harry's *aunt*, not his *mother*.'
Harry wanted to interfere, wanted to stop his father acting like this. Remus read his intentions however and stayed him with a hand on his arm. When Harry looked up at him, he just shook his head and turned back to Severus and Sirius.
Sirius was obviously struggling against the spell restraining him. He actually managed to break it enough to spit 'You unholy bastard. What did you do James's family?'
Severus brought his wand around and down, renewing his spell. For most outward appearances, he was totally unaffected by Sirius's attacks on him, but Harry noticed the white of his knuckles and the faint tremor in the hand.
Severus's voice remained steady long enough to say, 'You're stronger than I gave you credit for, Black.'
He stopped and took several calming breaths before continuing. But even then, his control had slipped enough that he leant forward, right into Sirius's face and seethed, 'I *was* James's family, you mangy excuse for an asshole.'
As he had leant forward, his wedding band had slipped from within his robes and now hung dangling in Sirius's face. Severus saw the other man looking at it. He turned it so Sirius could see the inscription on the inside, but felt no satisfaction when Sirius's eyes widened in shock this time. He felt only weary. He stood up again, tucking the ring away.
'That's right, Black. James was my husband. Harry is our son. Lily was only ever covering for us because she was my sister,' he turned away from Sirius then and addressed Dumbledore, 'If that will be all, Albus....'
He didn't wait for a reply, just plucked up his parcel from the desk and swept by Harry and Remus and out of the room.
Remus and Dumbledore stared after him, features set in rather startled expressions. Harry divided his attention between the empty doorway and his godfather. Sirius was still stiff upon the chair and Harry realised after a moment that it was because he was still under the effects of Severus's spell.
Harry turned back to the empty doorway again, still trying to figure out what exactly had just happened. He began to check the points off against mental fingers:
They had returned from Diagon Alley, discussing changing Harry's name. His father had inadvertently announced to his godfather his true parentage. Severus had ignored Sirius, inflaming him yet further. Severus had quite frankly told Sirius the truth. Sirius had all but decked Severus. Severus - for some yet to be fathomed reason - had felt he had deserved it. Sirius had made the same accusation that Harry had originally made. Harry tried to correct him and Sirius had rounded on him. Severus had intervened, casting a Stupefy on the animagus for daring to yell at *his* son. Severus told his literally captive audience that Lily was his sister and only Harry's aunt. Sirius regained enough control of his mouth to accuse Severus of interfering with James's family, then....
Harry realised he had run out of fingers and was still no closer to figuring out what had happened, other than that the truth had been broken to Sirius in a rather brutal manner. There had been no sugar coating in sight. Severus had dished up the bare bones of the situation to a spell- held Sirius and then swept out....
Leaving his son, his friend and his headmaster to deal with Sirius's reaction.
Harry dragged his eyes from the empty door and turned to look at his bound godfather again. The only part of him that moved was his eyes. They darted and flexed, glaring and staring alternatively. Harry lifted his own and looked at the headmaster.
Dumbledore met his gaze and read the half-accusation, half-question there. He answered it.
'It had to be done.'
Instead of responding Harry looked back down at Sirius. He felt Remus turn from the door at his shoulder and look down at his old friend too. From the corner of his eye, Harry saw Dumbledore raise his wand and utter the words, 'Finite Incantatem.'
Sirius's body immediately relaxed from its previous stiff pose, but other than that Sirius himself didn't move for a long moment. When he did, he sat up and looked only at Dumbledore.
'That's what you summoned me for, Albus?'
Dumbledore nodded, 'Yes, I felt you -'
'I wish you hadn't.'
Harry flinched, and at his side, he felt Remus do the same.
Sirius stood up, 'I'll leave now if you don't require me for anything.'
Dumbledore nodded rather sadly, 'If that is what you wish,' Sirius nodded once, shortly, 'Then I only ask that you return in a week's time. I believe I will have something to discuss with you at that time.'
Sirius nodded again and turned to Harry, 'Harry, you're still my godson and I still love you.'
Harry shuddered a little. He had been so worried that Sirius would reject him because of who his father was.
'Thankyou,' he whispered.
Sirius pulled Harry roughly into his arms and embraced him gruffly. Then he set his godson away from him, 'I'll owl you, okay.'
Harry nodded. Sirius nodded once more to Dumbledore and started for the door.
Remus pivoted on his heel, following his friend with his eyes. When Sirius started through the door, still without acknowledging him, Remus spoke.
'Sirius?'
Sirius stiffened in the doorway, but didn't turn. Harry seriously thought he was going to walk on without replying. Remus obviously thought so too, because his face began to collapse.
But then Sirius turned his head a little and said only, 'I'm not ready to talk to you yet, Remus.'
That said, he walked through the door and down the stairs.
Remus's face, which had stayed its collapse when Sirius had begun to speak, fell completely.
TBC
AN: sorry if it became a little too much about Sirius and Remus at the end there. It wasn't really meant to. It'll be back to Harry and Severus next chapter.
I also don't know about Harry's character at the end there.... Was it okay?
Anywho, that's how I dealt with Sirius's reaction. Which isn't quite over and done with by the way.