A/N Sorry again for the long wait. I've been ironing out a few holes in the
plot before I got this out. Chapter 15 is finally here. Enjoy!!!
When Harry awoke, the first thing that crossed his mind was the mortifying fact that he had fallen unconscious.*again* and in a room full of people no less! It had to be some sort of record.
The next thing he noticed was that, although there was a dim light filtering in from *somewhere*, he couldn't see a damn thing.
Harry sighed. At least he wasn't in the Hospital Wing; the absence of an irate and blustery Madame Pomfrey allowed him that much. He knew he wasn't in his dormitory either; he couldn't hear Neville snoring. Harry lay back and relaxed against the soft pillows, staring unseeingly at the ceiling. Questions tumbled over each other in their haste to be heard: Why did these things always happen to him? Why was he so special? What was Dumbledore holding from him? And most importantly.
WHO IN THE SEVEN HELLS WAS THE PERSON IN THE CORNER?
Harry blinked rapidly, trying to focus. When that proved useless, he abruptly sat up in a panic in order to escape. Harry gasped and struggled to sit up but the bedclothes were having none of it and wrapped around his body, squeezing the breath from his lungs. In his blind panic, he succeeded in rolling over the edge of the bed and landing on the floor with a loud thump which caused the slumbering figure across the room to awake with a snort. There was a quick inhalation from the other side of the room and then Harry felt strong, reassuring arms lifting him and placing him back onto the bed.
"Ssshhh, Harry. Calm down, please. Madame Pomfrey doesn't know I'm here. She'll kill me if she thinks I'm disturbing you," a low voice whispered softly.
Harry froze. He'd know that voice anywhere.
"Sirius!" he cried gleefully and whirled around to hug Sirius back. Sirius laughed quietly. "Woah, steady there! You almost had my eye out! I promised Dumbledore I'd make you rest." He paused here and looked at Harry strangely, as if he wasn't quite sure of what he was seeing. He obviously satisfied himself however because the next second, Harry was enveloped in a bone-shattering hug. "I-I'm sorry.so sorry." Sirius whispered fiercely in his ear.
Harry frowned whilst at the same time gaping like a fish out of water for breath. "About what?" he choked.
Sirius sighed heavily and loosened his hold fractionally. "Fudge should never have made you go through that. It's my fault.and I wasn't there when you needed me."
Harry rolled his eyes pointedly. Sirius could be exceptionally dense. "Sirius," he said softly, "I don't blame you. You couldn't have known it would happen just like you can't know what will happen tomorrow. When it's all said and done, it all boils down to Voldemort," Harry was quite impressed when Sirius only flinched a little at the feared name, "and there's nothing we can do but prepare and live each day to the utmost." Briefly, Harry had the insight to wonder where that little lesson in philosophy had come from but he dismissed it when he saw Sirius looking at him even more strangely. "Don't blame yourself Sirius. I know Dad wouldn't have wanted you to." It was a last resort and Harry suspected both of them knew it but it served its purpose.
Sirius smiled weakly and tightened his grip with a frightening intensity, so much so that Harry found himself slightly short of breath. "God knows where you come up with this stuff but you somehow always say the right thing. I'll try not to as long as you promise me something."
Harry frowned, trying to express his disapproval as best he could whilst crushed to a bony shoulder. "What?" he asked tentatively.
"Don't blame yourself."
"For what?" Harry squirmed uncomfortably, already knowing the answer.
"Cedric.Voldemort."
Harry winced and Sirius could have hit himself when he saw the glittering emeralds of Harry's eyes cloud with shadows. It gave him an oddly haunting quality that unnerved Sirius to the core, reminding him entirely of his own eyes. Desperately, he clutched Harry and soothed him.
Harry heaved a sigh that made him seem entirely too old and leant into the embrace, closing his eyes. "I don't.at least, not as much as I did. It's hard.but I think I realise what you're all trying to force through my skull." Sirius gave him an encouraging smile.
There was a brief moment of tense silence between the two until Harry decided he couldn't stand it anymore. "So.um.how did you get here? I asked Dumbledore where you were but he said he couldn't say and you haven't owled me in ages."
Sirus grinned at Harry. "That's thanks to Elandar." Seeing Harry's confused expression he elaborated. "Elandar is the caladrius Hagrid showed you at the beginning of the year. Elandar and Fawkes found me when the poison had become too much for my system but Elandar still managed to purge it.or at least that's what Madame Pomfrey said. I'll never forget that.looked straight into my eyes.those pink eyes are seriously unnatural." Harry nodded in agreement. Pink wasn't too far from red and right now, his least favourite person's irises were a deep blood red.
Harry's mind, however, latched onto the one negative thing in Sirius' explanation, one that Sirius had hoped would be overlooked for today at least.
"What poison?"
Sirius sighed. It was going to be a long morning.
* * *
Albus Dumbledore smiled at the scene unfolding in the crystal ball before waving a hand, obscuring the picture, and granting godfather and godson their privacy. Wearily, he turned to those assembled with him. His office had been magically expanded to accommodate the large number of people currently sitting around his elongated desk.
"What are we going to do Albus?" asked Minerva. "The Ministry's in uproar over the trial and there isn't much time. You-know-who's power is increasing by the day!"
Albus sighed. "There isn't a lot that we can do Minerva but we will have to make do with what little we can."
Remus Lupin cast a wary eye around the table and spoke up quietly. "We need to fight fire with fire. Set up an auror team to counter his attacks."
"That's a good idea theroretically, Remus, but we have no idea when or where he's going to attack," Arabella pointed out.
"Well, what happened to our spy? Where's he disappear off to? He's supposed to be able to tell us what's going on!"
Albus held up a hand. "Please calm down Mundungus. Sirius has informed me that Severus' betrayal has been discovered by the Death Eaters. A rescue party must be sent out to retrieve him."
"Who?" asked Mundungus.
"I had hoped you would lead the group. You have expertise in this area and it is essential I get my Potions master back as swiftly as possible. Ignia is terrifying the students far more so than Severus could ever hope to achieve."
Remus' cough sounded suspiciously like a laugh. "He won't like learning that!"
Albus smiled briefly. "Mundungus?" Mundungus sent a questioning look skywards to heaven and, eventually, nodded reluctantly.
"And what after that?" Minerva demanded.
"We must make preparations. The protection spells around Hogwarts must be recast. I am sure Voldemort will attack us here, it's only a matter of time. We must also send messengers to other Ministries, asking for their aid and co- operation."
All those present nodded thoughtfully. Alastor Moody, who had until that point been staring at the door, added his own wisdom. "Make sure Gringotts is protected as well. If that were to be destroyed, there'd be chaos. And we must somehow inform the public of You-know-who's return. Everyone must be on CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!"
Mundungus, who was sitting next to him jumped out of his seat and glared at Mad-Eye, growling threateningly. "And how do we do that when the Ministry won't listen to us?"
"Simple," replied Remus smiling. "We make sure the new Minister is someone we trust and who will help us. Preferably somehow who has a long overdue promotion."
Albus smiled. "Arthur Weasley. Thank you for the idea Remus. I shall inform him after this meeting. As for your other idea.I think that once we have someone reliable running the Ministry, an auror team shouldn't be too much of a problem. Gringotts will be more of a problem."
Here, tiny Professor Flitwick piped up from where he was sitting on several thick books to reach the table. "I know some connections in the Ministry who could do that."
Albus nodded gratefully. "Azkaban must also be removed from the grip of the Dementors. They will not hesitate to join Voldemort when he asks them." The room suddenly became a sea of grim faces. "Although the Giants have refused us, Hagrid tells me they have promised not to interfere. Nevertheless, Voldemort's army will not suffer. Many of all species will turn to him in the blink of an eye."
Alastor Moody suddenly took on a gleam in his eye. "If that runt's going to attack here.the students will need to be.prepared."
Albus raised an eyebrow. "And what do you propose Alastor?"
Moody's grin became nothing short of feral. "A duelling club."
Albus smiled and his eyes twinkled furiously. "An excellent idea Alastor. I take it you would wish to supervise?" Moody nodded. "Good. And Arabella, if you could teach the students Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts.the sort of creatures and situations they may encounter." Arabella nodded. "For now there is nothing we can do about the Dementors. We must deal with them when it comes to it."
Silence stretched as all in the room became lost in their morbid thoughts. Then, quite suddenly, and out of the blue:
"What about Potter?" growled Moody.
Albus sighed. "There is little we can do for Harry, Alastor. Another protection charm must be found for when he leaves at the end of the year and Remus has already agreed to aid him in dealing with the Order but that is all we can do. The rest is up to Harry."
Moody looked thoughtful. After a moment he announced, and not without a large amount of relish: "I'll teach him duelling privately!"
McGonagall looked horrified. "Alastor, you'll terrorise the poor child. He'll lose limbs."
Alastor grinned. "Better limbs than lives!"
Remus suddenly spoke up. "Albus, something is bothering me about this Order of the Phoenix." Albus raised his eyebrows and indicated for him to continue. "It doesn't seem right! Fawkes is supposed to be guarding him but, if anything, it's giving Voldemort more of a chance to destroy his moral. I can't imagine what it must be like having dreams like Harry has, but that's not the half of it! I've done some research on the other known Orders. Each and every one failed in its job. The Order was released before one or the other of those under the protection was ready. Are we sure we know what the Order actually does? We can't risk losing Harry on an off- chance."
Albus frowned and rubbed his temples worriedly. "Have you found any first hand accounts?"
Remus nodded. "A diary, but all it mentioned was some kind of understanding and a conclusion drawn from that. *I* don't understand it! How can Harry?"
Albus leant back in his chair. "This is worrying. In light of this, I'm glad he will be getting extra tuition. But the Order has been established and only Fawkes can release it when he sees fit. Hopefully, that will be another couple of years. Remus," the younger man looked up, "you must still help Harry though. Aside from the fact that your mere presence will help him, we must do something about those dreams. No one should have to see that, much less a child." He waved a hand. "I think that is enough for today. I must contact Arthur Weasley."
One by one, they all left until only Remus remained, his hand on the door knob ready to swing it shut. Albus looked at him questioningly.
"Harry has already seen more than any child should. His childhood ceased the second he was handed over to the Dursleys."
The door swung shut behind him and Albus Dumbledore sank into his seat and buried his face in his hands.
* * *
"Harry Potter, sir! Harry Potter must come in, sit down."
Harry blinked in the bright lights and allowed himself to be herded away from the entrance to the Kitchens. Snuffles whined and crouched underneath Harry as the diminutive House elves crowded around him and began petting him and saying nonsense like 'Ahh.oo's a clever dog then?'
Harry sighed. In retrospect, perhaps a quick sneak down to the Kitchens for a bite to eat hadn't been such a good idea as he'd originally thought.
"Harry Potter must be very hungry. Dobby has heard of the trial, and what Mr Harry Potter had to recount." Suddenly, the tiny creature clamped a hand over its mouth and his eyes went wide and lamp-like. "Dobby is sorry sir! Dobby did not mean to remind you! Bad Dobby!"
Harry rolled his eyes heavenwards and reached out to the elf before it succeeded in braining itself with the frying pan. *I simply don't have the patience for this* he thought as he watched Dobby wallow in self-pity. "Dobby, I'm really hungry. Could I have some food please?"
Dobby looked up half-way through his rant on how House elves, particularly those named Dobby, were wicked, and stared at him with tearful eyes. "Harry Potter is too kind sir.! Yes, of course. Harry Potter must be fed." Immediately, the House elves scurried off in all directions, brandishing fatal-looking cooking implements. Within minutes, there was a meal nothing short of a feast laid out on the table before him.
Throughout the entire meal, Snuffles hid under the table nursing his wounded pride and his over-pulled tail.
After a hasty meal, Snuffles dragged Harry out of the room by the edge of his robes and pulled him down several long and dark hallways before transforming into his human form. He grimaced and shuddered involuntarily. "Remind me to never see the House elves as Snuffles again!"
Harry laughed at his godfather's discomfort. "The famous rampaging murderer, cowed by House elves. They'd probably try to kill themselves because of your discomfort. They live only to serve."
Sirius looked hopeful at the prospect of a suicidal killing-spree but sighed at a disapproving glance from his godson and started off in the direction of the Gryffindor Common Room. "I don't want people to see me yet, especially seeing as the news hasn't been released yet."
Harry frowned. "You can't really blame the Ministry," at Sirius' incredulous look, he hastily continued, "I mean, they haven't got a leader right now." he pointed out.
Sirius' face split into a goofy grin at the memory of Fudge being kicked from office. "You should have seen the look on his face Harry! 'You can't! I'm the Minister!'" he exclaimed in an off-pitch impression of the ex- Minister.
Harry laughed and followed him down the moving staircases to the portrait of the Fat Lady. "Hey, Snuffles!" Sirius turned around and watched him with a raised eyebrow. "They still don't know." he said somehow indicating, through bizarre hand gestures, the people on the other side of the portrait.
Sirius nodded and grinned. His grin suddenly spread from to ear to ear as he added: "And the Ministry still don't know I'm an Animagus."
Seconds later, those in the Gryffindor Common Room looked up in surprise at the sound of loud barking to see a large black dog pull Harry, laughing, into the Common Room. Fred and George immediately took it upon themselves to rescue Harry from 'The Grim' as Ginny dubbed it in her shrieks of fear. Soon, the entire House was caught up in a wild goose chase, following the elusive dog as it wound in and out of the furniture, upsetting ink bottles and scattering parchment.
And from the shadows, a figure watched, playing idly with a silver knife that flashed menacingly in the firelight.
It would remain hidden until the time was right, then strike like a snake.a viper in the den.
The Snake in the Grass.
A/N. OOOoooooh, the prophecy is *finally* coming true! Well, I hope Sirius being alive was a nice surprise for you. More fun next chapter when Term restarts and Moody begins his reign of terror *cough* I mean duelling club. Quidditch on the way too!!!!!!
Thanks go to: Anja: I'm e-mailing you as soon as I get this up Ashie: Thanks, and continue with your fic. I promise I *am* writing a letter..it's just a long time in the making. Nuts: Yep! Fudge is booted. I was going to have a whole scene which showed that but it didn't really fit in so I cut it. And Sirius is free!...and alive!!! Arizosa: Hmmm.dunno if he'll get the Kiss. I'm toying with the idea though. It *is* tempting. Bob: Thanks again and again. Ariel: I'm flattered you like it so much. Thanks! kittyk@: Thanks. We need to get a move on with Snuffles *wink*. Have a good hol too! The Red Dragons Order: Thanks and keep updating your OotP and the new one. They're great! Hyper Princess: wow thanks. The best chapter so far? Really? You made my day! :-) Lome_Roquen: Thank you. I'm e-mailing you as soon as I get this out. jona: Thanks and get a move on with your fics. I haven't heard a peep out of you in ages. No Reply: Thanks. I admit that it hadn't crossed my mind that Harry would have to be pretty light for Dumbledore to lift him. Let's just say he's a real skinny kid. Nicky: Reactions of the world in general don't come till later but they'll have a large effect on the goings-on. gdfdhgewakjwgt: wow, that's an odd penname.thank you very much *bows*. That's the greatest praise I could hope to achieve!
When Harry awoke, the first thing that crossed his mind was the mortifying fact that he had fallen unconscious.*again* and in a room full of people no less! It had to be some sort of record.
The next thing he noticed was that, although there was a dim light filtering in from *somewhere*, he couldn't see a damn thing.
Harry sighed. At least he wasn't in the Hospital Wing; the absence of an irate and blustery Madame Pomfrey allowed him that much. He knew he wasn't in his dormitory either; he couldn't hear Neville snoring. Harry lay back and relaxed against the soft pillows, staring unseeingly at the ceiling. Questions tumbled over each other in their haste to be heard: Why did these things always happen to him? Why was he so special? What was Dumbledore holding from him? And most importantly.
WHO IN THE SEVEN HELLS WAS THE PERSON IN THE CORNER?
Harry blinked rapidly, trying to focus. When that proved useless, he abruptly sat up in a panic in order to escape. Harry gasped and struggled to sit up but the bedclothes were having none of it and wrapped around his body, squeezing the breath from his lungs. In his blind panic, he succeeded in rolling over the edge of the bed and landing on the floor with a loud thump which caused the slumbering figure across the room to awake with a snort. There was a quick inhalation from the other side of the room and then Harry felt strong, reassuring arms lifting him and placing him back onto the bed.
"Ssshhh, Harry. Calm down, please. Madame Pomfrey doesn't know I'm here. She'll kill me if she thinks I'm disturbing you," a low voice whispered softly.
Harry froze. He'd know that voice anywhere.
"Sirius!" he cried gleefully and whirled around to hug Sirius back. Sirius laughed quietly. "Woah, steady there! You almost had my eye out! I promised Dumbledore I'd make you rest." He paused here and looked at Harry strangely, as if he wasn't quite sure of what he was seeing. He obviously satisfied himself however because the next second, Harry was enveloped in a bone-shattering hug. "I-I'm sorry.so sorry." Sirius whispered fiercely in his ear.
Harry frowned whilst at the same time gaping like a fish out of water for breath. "About what?" he choked.
Sirius sighed heavily and loosened his hold fractionally. "Fudge should never have made you go through that. It's my fault.and I wasn't there when you needed me."
Harry rolled his eyes pointedly. Sirius could be exceptionally dense. "Sirius," he said softly, "I don't blame you. You couldn't have known it would happen just like you can't know what will happen tomorrow. When it's all said and done, it all boils down to Voldemort," Harry was quite impressed when Sirius only flinched a little at the feared name, "and there's nothing we can do but prepare and live each day to the utmost." Briefly, Harry had the insight to wonder where that little lesson in philosophy had come from but he dismissed it when he saw Sirius looking at him even more strangely. "Don't blame yourself Sirius. I know Dad wouldn't have wanted you to." It was a last resort and Harry suspected both of them knew it but it served its purpose.
Sirius smiled weakly and tightened his grip with a frightening intensity, so much so that Harry found himself slightly short of breath. "God knows where you come up with this stuff but you somehow always say the right thing. I'll try not to as long as you promise me something."
Harry frowned, trying to express his disapproval as best he could whilst crushed to a bony shoulder. "What?" he asked tentatively.
"Don't blame yourself."
"For what?" Harry squirmed uncomfortably, already knowing the answer.
"Cedric.Voldemort."
Harry winced and Sirius could have hit himself when he saw the glittering emeralds of Harry's eyes cloud with shadows. It gave him an oddly haunting quality that unnerved Sirius to the core, reminding him entirely of his own eyes. Desperately, he clutched Harry and soothed him.
Harry heaved a sigh that made him seem entirely too old and leant into the embrace, closing his eyes. "I don't.at least, not as much as I did. It's hard.but I think I realise what you're all trying to force through my skull." Sirius gave him an encouraging smile.
There was a brief moment of tense silence between the two until Harry decided he couldn't stand it anymore. "So.um.how did you get here? I asked Dumbledore where you were but he said he couldn't say and you haven't owled me in ages."
Sirus grinned at Harry. "That's thanks to Elandar." Seeing Harry's confused expression he elaborated. "Elandar is the caladrius Hagrid showed you at the beginning of the year. Elandar and Fawkes found me when the poison had become too much for my system but Elandar still managed to purge it.or at least that's what Madame Pomfrey said. I'll never forget that.looked straight into my eyes.those pink eyes are seriously unnatural." Harry nodded in agreement. Pink wasn't too far from red and right now, his least favourite person's irises were a deep blood red.
Harry's mind, however, latched onto the one negative thing in Sirius' explanation, one that Sirius had hoped would be overlooked for today at least.
"What poison?"
Sirius sighed. It was going to be a long morning.
* * *
Albus Dumbledore smiled at the scene unfolding in the crystal ball before waving a hand, obscuring the picture, and granting godfather and godson their privacy. Wearily, he turned to those assembled with him. His office had been magically expanded to accommodate the large number of people currently sitting around his elongated desk.
"What are we going to do Albus?" asked Minerva. "The Ministry's in uproar over the trial and there isn't much time. You-know-who's power is increasing by the day!"
Albus sighed. "There isn't a lot that we can do Minerva but we will have to make do with what little we can."
Remus Lupin cast a wary eye around the table and spoke up quietly. "We need to fight fire with fire. Set up an auror team to counter his attacks."
"That's a good idea theroretically, Remus, but we have no idea when or where he's going to attack," Arabella pointed out.
"Well, what happened to our spy? Where's he disappear off to? He's supposed to be able to tell us what's going on!"
Albus held up a hand. "Please calm down Mundungus. Sirius has informed me that Severus' betrayal has been discovered by the Death Eaters. A rescue party must be sent out to retrieve him."
"Who?" asked Mundungus.
"I had hoped you would lead the group. You have expertise in this area and it is essential I get my Potions master back as swiftly as possible. Ignia is terrifying the students far more so than Severus could ever hope to achieve."
Remus' cough sounded suspiciously like a laugh. "He won't like learning that!"
Albus smiled briefly. "Mundungus?" Mundungus sent a questioning look skywards to heaven and, eventually, nodded reluctantly.
"And what after that?" Minerva demanded.
"We must make preparations. The protection spells around Hogwarts must be recast. I am sure Voldemort will attack us here, it's only a matter of time. We must also send messengers to other Ministries, asking for their aid and co- operation."
All those present nodded thoughtfully. Alastor Moody, who had until that point been staring at the door, added his own wisdom. "Make sure Gringotts is protected as well. If that were to be destroyed, there'd be chaos. And we must somehow inform the public of You-know-who's return. Everyone must be on CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!"
Mundungus, who was sitting next to him jumped out of his seat and glared at Mad-Eye, growling threateningly. "And how do we do that when the Ministry won't listen to us?"
"Simple," replied Remus smiling. "We make sure the new Minister is someone we trust and who will help us. Preferably somehow who has a long overdue promotion."
Albus smiled. "Arthur Weasley. Thank you for the idea Remus. I shall inform him after this meeting. As for your other idea.I think that once we have someone reliable running the Ministry, an auror team shouldn't be too much of a problem. Gringotts will be more of a problem."
Here, tiny Professor Flitwick piped up from where he was sitting on several thick books to reach the table. "I know some connections in the Ministry who could do that."
Albus nodded gratefully. "Azkaban must also be removed from the grip of the Dementors. They will not hesitate to join Voldemort when he asks them." The room suddenly became a sea of grim faces. "Although the Giants have refused us, Hagrid tells me they have promised not to interfere. Nevertheless, Voldemort's army will not suffer. Many of all species will turn to him in the blink of an eye."
Alastor Moody suddenly took on a gleam in his eye. "If that runt's going to attack here.the students will need to be.prepared."
Albus raised an eyebrow. "And what do you propose Alastor?"
Moody's grin became nothing short of feral. "A duelling club."
Albus smiled and his eyes twinkled furiously. "An excellent idea Alastor. I take it you would wish to supervise?" Moody nodded. "Good. And Arabella, if you could teach the students Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts.the sort of creatures and situations they may encounter." Arabella nodded. "For now there is nothing we can do about the Dementors. We must deal with them when it comes to it."
Silence stretched as all in the room became lost in their morbid thoughts. Then, quite suddenly, and out of the blue:
"What about Potter?" growled Moody.
Albus sighed. "There is little we can do for Harry, Alastor. Another protection charm must be found for when he leaves at the end of the year and Remus has already agreed to aid him in dealing with the Order but that is all we can do. The rest is up to Harry."
Moody looked thoughtful. After a moment he announced, and not without a large amount of relish: "I'll teach him duelling privately!"
McGonagall looked horrified. "Alastor, you'll terrorise the poor child. He'll lose limbs."
Alastor grinned. "Better limbs than lives!"
Remus suddenly spoke up. "Albus, something is bothering me about this Order of the Phoenix." Albus raised his eyebrows and indicated for him to continue. "It doesn't seem right! Fawkes is supposed to be guarding him but, if anything, it's giving Voldemort more of a chance to destroy his moral. I can't imagine what it must be like having dreams like Harry has, but that's not the half of it! I've done some research on the other known Orders. Each and every one failed in its job. The Order was released before one or the other of those under the protection was ready. Are we sure we know what the Order actually does? We can't risk losing Harry on an off- chance."
Albus frowned and rubbed his temples worriedly. "Have you found any first hand accounts?"
Remus nodded. "A diary, but all it mentioned was some kind of understanding and a conclusion drawn from that. *I* don't understand it! How can Harry?"
Albus leant back in his chair. "This is worrying. In light of this, I'm glad he will be getting extra tuition. But the Order has been established and only Fawkes can release it when he sees fit. Hopefully, that will be another couple of years. Remus," the younger man looked up, "you must still help Harry though. Aside from the fact that your mere presence will help him, we must do something about those dreams. No one should have to see that, much less a child." He waved a hand. "I think that is enough for today. I must contact Arthur Weasley."
One by one, they all left until only Remus remained, his hand on the door knob ready to swing it shut. Albus looked at him questioningly.
"Harry has already seen more than any child should. His childhood ceased the second he was handed over to the Dursleys."
The door swung shut behind him and Albus Dumbledore sank into his seat and buried his face in his hands.
* * *
"Harry Potter, sir! Harry Potter must come in, sit down."
Harry blinked in the bright lights and allowed himself to be herded away from the entrance to the Kitchens. Snuffles whined and crouched underneath Harry as the diminutive House elves crowded around him and began petting him and saying nonsense like 'Ahh.oo's a clever dog then?'
Harry sighed. In retrospect, perhaps a quick sneak down to the Kitchens for a bite to eat hadn't been such a good idea as he'd originally thought.
"Harry Potter must be very hungry. Dobby has heard of the trial, and what Mr Harry Potter had to recount." Suddenly, the tiny creature clamped a hand over its mouth and his eyes went wide and lamp-like. "Dobby is sorry sir! Dobby did not mean to remind you! Bad Dobby!"
Harry rolled his eyes heavenwards and reached out to the elf before it succeeded in braining itself with the frying pan. *I simply don't have the patience for this* he thought as he watched Dobby wallow in self-pity. "Dobby, I'm really hungry. Could I have some food please?"
Dobby looked up half-way through his rant on how House elves, particularly those named Dobby, were wicked, and stared at him with tearful eyes. "Harry Potter is too kind sir.! Yes, of course. Harry Potter must be fed." Immediately, the House elves scurried off in all directions, brandishing fatal-looking cooking implements. Within minutes, there was a meal nothing short of a feast laid out on the table before him.
Throughout the entire meal, Snuffles hid under the table nursing his wounded pride and his over-pulled tail.
After a hasty meal, Snuffles dragged Harry out of the room by the edge of his robes and pulled him down several long and dark hallways before transforming into his human form. He grimaced and shuddered involuntarily. "Remind me to never see the House elves as Snuffles again!"
Harry laughed at his godfather's discomfort. "The famous rampaging murderer, cowed by House elves. They'd probably try to kill themselves because of your discomfort. They live only to serve."
Sirius looked hopeful at the prospect of a suicidal killing-spree but sighed at a disapproving glance from his godson and started off in the direction of the Gryffindor Common Room. "I don't want people to see me yet, especially seeing as the news hasn't been released yet."
Harry frowned. "You can't really blame the Ministry," at Sirius' incredulous look, he hastily continued, "I mean, they haven't got a leader right now." he pointed out.
Sirius' face split into a goofy grin at the memory of Fudge being kicked from office. "You should have seen the look on his face Harry! 'You can't! I'm the Minister!'" he exclaimed in an off-pitch impression of the ex- Minister.
Harry laughed and followed him down the moving staircases to the portrait of the Fat Lady. "Hey, Snuffles!" Sirius turned around and watched him with a raised eyebrow. "They still don't know." he said somehow indicating, through bizarre hand gestures, the people on the other side of the portrait.
Sirius nodded and grinned. His grin suddenly spread from to ear to ear as he added: "And the Ministry still don't know I'm an Animagus."
Seconds later, those in the Gryffindor Common Room looked up in surprise at the sound of loud barking to see a large black dog pull Harry, laughing, into the Common Room. Fred and George immediately took it upon themselves to rescue Harry from 'The Grim' as Ginny dubbed it in her shrieks of fear. Soon, the entire House was caught up in a wild goose chase, following the elusive dog as it wound in and out of the furniture, upsetting ink bottles and scattering parchment.
And from the shadows, a figure watched, playing idly with a silver knife that flashed menacingly in the firelight.
It would remain hidden until the time was right, then strike like a snake.a viper in the den.
The Snake in the Grass.
A/N. OOOoooooh, the prophecy is *finally* coming true! Well, I hope Sirius being alive was a nice surprise for you. More fun next chapter when Term restarts and Moody begins his reign of terror *cough* I mean duelling club. Quidditch on the way too!!!!!!
Thanks go to: Anja: I'm e-mailing you as soon as I get this up Ashie: Thanks, and continue with your fic. I promise I *am* writing a letter..it's just a long time in the making. Nuts: Yep! Fudge is booted. I was going to have a whole scene which showed that but it didn't really fit in so I cut it. And Sirius is free!...and alive!!! Arizosa: Hmmm.dunno if he'll get the Kiss. I'm toying with the idea though. It *is* tempting. Bob: Thanks again and again. Ariel: I'm flattered you like it so much. Thanks! kittyk@: Thanks. We need to get a move on with Snuffles *wink*. Have a good hol too! The Red Dragons Order: Thanks and keep updating your OotP and the new one. They're great! Hyper Princess: wow thanks. The best chapter so far? Really? You made my day! :-) Lome_Roquen: Thank you. I'm e-mailing you as soon as I get this out. jona: Thanks and get a move on with your fics. I haven't heard a peep out of you in ages. No Reply: Thanks. I admit that it hadn't crossed my mind that Harry would have to be pretty light for Dumbledore to lift him. Let's just say he's a real skinny kid. Nicky: Reactions of the world in general don't come till later but they'll have a large effect on the goings-on. gdfdhgewakjwgt: wow, that's an odd penname.thank you very much *bows*. That's the greatest praise I could hope to achieve!