This chapter I think will become quite predictable, sorry about that, but the ideas in my head can only be reached with predictability. I'm no JKR when it comes to that, that's for sure. So I hope you like it.

Secondly, after this chapter goes up I'm heading to the scene of the story. For 2-3 days I'll be in the hopefully sunny city of Newport Rhode Island. I can't wait. The last time I went it rained a whole lot, but I still thought it was beautiful. This time I think I'll be able to see more of it. Maybe I'll be a dork and pick out which grocery store is Sirius's and which apartment building. . .but probably not, lol. I'm really excited and nervous at the same time, so yeah, can't wait!

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As the sunlight poured through the windows of Sirius's bedroom, he slowly creaked open his tired eyes. With the ordeal he had gone through that night with Harry, he needed more sleep than he was getting. He knew, however, that he had to get up anyway.

Harry still lay asleep in the bed which was way too big for him. Over the night he had wiggled off Sirius, leaving only his arm upon his chest for protection. Sirius laughed slightly at the little boy beside him and sighed. He then climbed out of bed and hurried to the shower.

As he showered he thought about what last night meant. Why would Harry suddenly be having dreams about deatheaters coming? Sirius couldn't contemplate how, if it were just a dream, Harry would know what they looked like or what they wanted to accomplish. After all, he was only four.

Sirius decided that it must be some sort of sign that there is a lot more deatheater activity than was previously thought. The one thing Sirius hoped was that Harry had misinterpreted that the deatheaters were coming to take them away.

As Sirius was about to turn off the water he heard a bloodcurdling scream. He didn't even bother to shut off the water, he just jumped out of the shower, through a towel roughly around his waist and belted out of the bathroom. He found Harry still in the bed, still asleep but with tears running down his face. He was thrashing in the bed in a manner that terrified Sirius beyond belief.

"Harry! Harry wake up!" Sirius said running closer to his godson and shaking him as gently as he could in his panicked state.

But when Harry didn't wake, Sirius felt his heart constrict. Sirius ran out of the room and grabbed his wand.

"Enervate!" he yelled when he got back. Harry immediately stopped thrashing. He looked around in a panicked and bewildered state and then just started bawling. Sirius picked him up, sat him on his lap and rocked him back and forth. After a few minutes Harry calmed down.

"Are you okay?" Sirius asked huffily as he was out of breath from running around in sheer panic. "What happened?"

Harry just chewed on his lip nervously. He had stopped crying but he still looked terrified.

"Did you have another nightmare?"

"Yes," Harry said looking down. Harry leaned his head against Sirius's side and clung to him. Sirius wrapped a hand around Harry's head to hold it there and gently stroked Harry's head in a calming gesture.

They sat like that for a while until Sirius sighed. He pulled Harry off his side and set him on the end of his knees, so that he was facing him.

"Was it the black ghosts again?"

Harry sniffled and nodded.

"Did they say anything this time?"

Harry looked at him dumbly for a few moments and then shook his head, "I don't remember."

"What happened this time that scared you so much?"

Again Sirius received a blank stare until Harry said, "They were here. They-they tried to-to. . ."

Sirius almost didn't want to hear the rest, but motioned for Harry to finish anyway. "What did they try to do?"

"They did something with a wand. . .like you have."

"What happened?"

"You fell. I was scared."

"What happened after that?"

"They came at me."

Sirius breathed sharply and looked at Harry expectantly, but he drew back. He didn't like Sirius's reactions to what he was saying.

"Harry you need to tell me what else happened."

"Why? You don't like it."

"I know I don't like it, but you need to tell me so I can be sure that it doesn't really happen. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded and Sirius could tell he was scared at the prospect that it may really happen.

"What happened when they came at you?"

"They picked me up and took me out of here."

"Where did they take you?"

"I don't know, that's when you woke me up."

Sirius nodded, unsatisfied. He wanted to know why Harry was now having these dreams. For a fleeting moment he thought of the wards he had around him. The anti-tracking spell should work on every person in England with the exception of Remus. It was meant to block people who wanted to cause him harm. That covered the majority of the people who knew the name Sirius Black.

So Sirius decided it would be best for both he and Harry to stay put and go on with their usual routine. Sirius thoughts on the subject were interrupted though when he felt a tapping on his bare chest.

He looked down to see Harry's lips trembling and his eyes glassy. "Are you mad at me?" Harry asked in a tight voice. Sirius watched a tear fall from the glassy eyes.

"No, Harry, not at all. Why would I be mad at you?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders but let free the tears he had been trying to hold back. Sirius pulled him close and whispered in his ear, "I'm not mad at you at all Harry. I'm just mad at the black ghosts that are trying to scare you, okay?"

Sirius felt Harry nod into his chest but he wouldn't stop crying.

"Harry it's okay now, I'm not mad at you and the black ghosts aren't here."

Again he felt Harry nod. Sirius carefully pried Harry off of him and set him back.

Sirius laughed at the sight of him. "Look at you. I soaked you. Lets go get you changed, shall we?" Harry nodded sadly. Sirius leaned into him so they were eye to eye, and with a look of faux cheerfulness he said, "Cheer up, we're going to be just fine." Harry looked reassured and smiled back at Sirius.

Harry clambered down from Sirius' legs and they both stood up. After readjusting the towel around his waist he grabbed Harry's hand and they walked down the hall to Harry's room. Sirius went to the drawers and pulled out a fresh pair of underwear and threw them to Harry. He caught them and giggled. Sirius did the same with the socks and got the same reaction.

He then moved over to the closet and got him the rest of his clothes to wear that day. Harry hurriedly put them on but as always needed help buttoning his pants. Sirius helped him out.

"Are you all set?" Sirius asked. Harry nodded with a smile. Sirius smiled back and then walked to his room. He stepped inside with a sigh and was about to shut the door when he found something obstructing its path. Harry was standing there expectantly.

"What are you doing bud?"

"I can't let the black ghosts get you."

Sirius smiled weakly and knelt down in front of Harry. "I've tried to tell you Harry. The black ghosts aren't going to get me. I need a little privacy though bud, is that alright?"

Harry looked up confused. Sirius sighed again and said, "Do you want to watch TV?"

Happily, Harry nodded. He led Sirius out of his room and into the living room. Sirius turned it on PBS where Big Bird was trying to jump rope. Harry started laughing and Sirius couldn't help but smile at him.

Even though Harry wasn't really his child, Sirius often felt like he had created him. Lily and James had unfortunately left him before he really had any personality, before he knew very much at all. Sirius took him from that age and turned him into the wonderful kid he was. Pride overtook him at moments like those.

While Harry was engrossed in the show, however, Sirius went to dry off and change. He cursed at himself when he heard the water still going in the bathroom and hurried to shut it off. Then, he walked tiredly to his room and put some clothes on.

When he returned to the living room less than fifteen minutes later he found Harry sound asleep on the couch. He couldn't help but smile, yet in the back of his mind he worried what another nap might bring. Every time Harry had gone to sleep in the last 24 hours he had woken up screaming or crying. Sirius could only hope that this time it would be different.

Just in case another dream popped up Sirius decided to stay by Harry's side. He settled down next to his godson, flicked the TV to reruns of Happy Days, and got completely lost in thought.

He didn't notice when Harry rolled over and landed half in his lap. Nor did he notice when Harry began thrashing again. Sirius was in a complete trance, staring off into the world of Fonzie, Richie, and Chachi. He wasn't paying attention to what they were doing, but he was constantly aware of how they always seemed happy.

Sirius snapped out of his trance when he felt two tiny arms around his neck and felt wet tears in the same vicinity. For the umpteenth time that day Harry was in a mess of tears.

"Shhh, Harry it's alright. Remember what I told you? The black ghosts aren't going to get you. They'll never get their hands on you or me. They're just trying to scare you. Don't let it work."

Harry just continued to sob so Sirius just whispered calming things to him and rocked him back and forth. "It's okay, Harry. I'm here. I'll never leave you. You're safe now. . ." etc. It did have the effect on Harry that Sirius was going for, as Harry climbed off of Sirius and settled beside him instead. Sirius put a hand over his head and messed up his already messy hair. He then leaned over and kissed the top of it and rubbed Harry's arm.

"Are you okay?"

Harry nodded and rested his head against Sirius's side. Together they watched Happy Days for another hour or so. Harry trying hard to keep his eyes open. When Sirius realized Harry was about to fall asleep again he decided he didn't want him to. Soon Sirius was going to have to go to work and he wanted Harry's mind to be as far from the black ghosts as possible when Emily came over.

"Hey, Harry, you want to play Candy Land?" Sirius asked as Harry's eyes had started to droop. Those eyes immediately sprung back open and his tired look was replaced by an excited one.

"Yeah!" he yelled and jumped off the couch in search of the game. Sirius laughed to himself and waited patiently for Harry to come back. They played the game over and over, Sirius letting Harry win each time, until it was time for him to go to work.

Sirius was dreading this time. He knew leaving Harry that day would be like cutting off his own arm. There was no way Harry was going to let him leave without a fight.

Yet, of course, the time eventually came. Fifteen minutes before Emily was due to come over Sirius sat down with Harry. The boy could tell that he was about to be told something he wouldn't like and sat there looking like he was going to cry.

Sirius took hold of one of his little hands and looked at him. "Harry, in fifteen minutes Emily's going to be here, and I'm going to have to go to work. . ."

"NO!!!" Harry yelled urgently and sprang forward towards Sirius. He tightly wrapped his arms around his neck and stuck himself there as permanently as he could. Sirius sighed to himself.

"Harry, I know you don't want me to go, but I need to. Remember last month when I was really sick? Because of that I can't take anymore time off work. I have to go or we might lose everything we have here."

"But what if you lose me?" Harry muttered. Sirius was shocked. He didn't know how that idea could ever cross the mind of a four year old, but it apparently just had.

"Harry, no one's going to take you from me. We're safe here. I'm almost one hundred percent certain. If anything happens here, I'll be back in a flash to take care of you. I won't let anything happen to you."

"You can't stop anything when you're at work," Harry mumbled. Sirius felt that Harry was shaking now. He wished nothing more that he could cure Harry's fear with the swish of his wand. However, nothing was ever as easy as it seemed.

"Harry, just trust me that you will be fine. I'm sorry I have to leave you. I don't want to, but I have to. Do you understand?"

Sirius felt Harry nod.

"Good," Sirius said and pulled Harry off him and sat him directly in front of him. "Now here's how tonight's going to go. I'm going to make sure Emily knows that you're scared tonight. I won't have her put you to bed, you can wait until I get home. Sound good so far?"

Harry nodded solemnly.

"Okay, I'll tell her to do things with you that won't make you think about the black ghosts."

Again, Harry nodded.

"And finally, I ask that you don't tell Emily anything about the nightmares or the black ghosts coming. This is like magic, Emily's not to know about it. Alright?"

With a final nod from Harry, Sirius stood up. He grabbed Harry's hand and said, "Let's get you a snack before she gets here."

Harry finally smiled and walked happily behind Sirius. After giving Harry a small bowl of ice cream Sirius got dressed for work and then waited with Harry for Emily to arrive. When she did he pulled her aside and said, "For tonight I want you to ditch the old routine. Try to keep him occupied all night if you can. Just play games or let him watch TV. Just don't leave him alone, or let him fall asleep."

"You don't want him to go to sleep at all? He's a little kid, he's going to be exhausted."

"I know, but just try. He's having really bad nightmares, and I want to be here when he has them. So please, try."

"Sirius, I've babysat him for over three years and never once has he stayed awake the whole time. It's not possible."

"All I'm asking is that you try."

"Okay. . .I think you're being pretty stupid though."

Sirius rolled his eyes, used to her snippy remarks. "Good. Thanks, I appreciate it."

He turned from Emily and went back to Harry. Squatting in front of him he said, "Time for me to go, Harry. I'll see you in a while, okay?"

Sirius saw the tears welling in Harry's eyes and did not want to see them fall. "Harry, you need to be brave here, okay? I'll be back very soon. Emily will be here. She'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Harry nodded and blinked a few times.

"I love you Harry." Sirius said and kissed the top of his head.

"I love you," Harry replied sadly. He proceeded to walk over to Emily, where he stood solemnly looking at the ground. Sirius shook his head and looked out the window. It was raining. He grabbed an umbrella from a closet, said goodbye, and walked out the door.

Emily looked down at Harry once Sirius left and saw that he was still fighting back tears. She knelt in front of him and said, "What's wrong little guy?"

"I'm scared," he muttered.

"Why are you scared?"

Harry remembered what Sirius had said and just shrugged his little shoulders.

Emily saw his lips tremble and watched as a tear streamed down his face. She had no idea what he was so sad about, but figured he wouldn't tell her anyway. So she just took his hand and lead him to the spot where Candy Land was still spread out over the floor.

"Lets play."

Harry nodded and tried to wipe his face.

As before, the game took Harry's mind of his nightmares and Sirius's current absence. They played until dinner time and after dinner they switched to Chutes and Ladders. It became apparent that Emily was ready to kill herself due to the agony of playing board games such as those with a four year old, but she did what she had to do to keep him happy.

However, when she suggested they stop and watch TV for a while instead, Harry fell asleep. Emily remembered what Sirius had said, but decided Harry needed his sleep and didn't wake him up.

At the grocery store, Sirius was having a bad night. He had already had at least five complaints that he had forgotten to give people their change, and he broke two cartons of eggs. His patience was being tested hard, and he was as worried as he had been the night of James and Lily's death.

As the night wore on, Sirius's feelings heightened. His senses told him that something was awry, but he wasn't sure what. He knew he had to get home as soon as he could. So he faked sick and got out an hour early.

When he arrived in the hall he found it deathly quiet. His nerves were more tense than they had ever been as he walked quickly to the door and with slight hesitation he threw the door open.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Emily sitting on the couch watching TV. Harry's head was resting in her lap, fast asleep.

Emily smiled when she saw him and said, "Told you I couldn't keep him awake all night. And don't worry, he didn't have any nightmares. . .yet."

Sirius nodded seriously.

"Are you okay? You don't look so good."

"I'm fine," Sirius croaked and wiped sweat from his brow.

"Are you sure? What's going on? Why are you home early?"

"I'm fine, really," Sirius said trying to recover a bit from his worry. "I was just feeling a little under the weather so I asked to come home early. So he was fine?"

Emily nodded suspiciously. "You don't look sick. . .you look like you've seen a ghost."

"Don't worry about it, Em, I'll be fine. Thanks for watching Harry. I'm sure it wasn't one of his better nights."

"You're right, it wasn't. If I ever have to look at Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders again I may just up and kill myself."

Sirius laughed lightly and walked her to the door.

"Bye, Em. See you tomorrow."

"Bye," she said and shut the door behind her.

Sirius sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He had never felt so relieved in his life.

He walked up to Harry and kneeled in front of the sleeping child and gently stroked his hair. Never had Sirius ever been so worried about someone as he was that night. Harry had become his world and he didn't know what he would do if he lost him.

Harry stirred slightly in his sleep and Sirius worried that it would be another dream, but he just rolled over and continued sleeping. Sirius gently picked him up and brought him to his bedroom. He changed Harry out of his clothes and into comfy pajamas, then tucked him away in bed.

Then Sirius went to his own bed where he sat down and then simply passed out.

He woke the next morning with the sun pouring through the window. Both he and Harry had slept straight through the night. He was very relieved at this.

After yawning loudly and stretching, Sirius climbed out of bed and padded down the hall to Harry's room. He smiled when he saw Harry rubbing his eyes with little fists, trying to wake himself up.

"Good morning, Harry," Sirius said cheerfully.

"G' morning," Harry mumbled tiredly. Sirius walked up to him and sat next to him on the bed.

"How'd last night go?"

Harry looked up confusedly.

"Did you have fun with Emily?"

"Yup."

"Did you have any nightmares?"

"Nope."

"Are you still scared?"

Harry just nodded. Sirius rubbed his head gently.

"We're going to be fine."

Harry smiled meekly.

"Do you have to go to work today?" he asked in a hopeful voice.

Sirius nodded sadly.

Harry's expression darkened but he just said, "Okay."

"Good boy. How about a bath?"

Harry shrugged. Sirius grabbed his hand and led him into the bathroom. After turning the water on and adding bubbles he helped Harry get undressed. He then sat Harry on the toilet seat and tried to entertain him while the bathtub was filling. Harry was unimpressed by all efforts, however, and actually yawned as he watched Sirius.

Sirius didn't mind though. He knew Harry was scared beyond belief and just wished he could put an end to it all. He was relieved when the water was high enough for Harry to get in. Harry had lots of toys to play with while in the tub, so Sirius was happy to see that he was fully entertained then. Sirius sat on the toilet seat and watched him play, making sure he didn't drown. When Harry was ready, Sirius helped him wash his hair and rinse off all the soap. Sirius then cloaked him with a big fluffy towel and walked with him to his room. He again helped Harry get dressed and then took him to the living room and fed him breakfast.

After this Sirius took him his favorite park until it was about time for Emily to be coming over.

Saying goodbye to Harry was easier that day then it had previously been. This time Harry trusted Sirius when he said they'd be fine. It worked one night, why wouldn't it work the other?

So Sirius headed to work and had a much better night than the previous. He had no run-ins with rude customers and he gave everybody the right change. He was relieved at this and headed home in a fairly good mood.

When he arrived in the hallway it was again very quiet. He figured it was the same case as last night that Harry had fallen asleep and Emily was trying to be quiet for him.

However this time when he opened the door he was met with the shock of his life.

Remus Lupin was standing in the middle of his living room, an evil smirk playing over his face. He saw Emily bound and gagged in the corner, looking absolutely terrified and Harry was nowhere to be found.

"Welcome home, Sirius," Remus said and then laughed more harshly than Sirius had ever heard him in all of his life.

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And that's all. If you can guess what's going on, I'm not surprised. I meant to write this a little differently so it wouldn't be so predictable, but I did a bad job of that. Please keep reading anyway, however, there's still a lot more to come, and I'm sure there will be a few surprises on the way.

Oh, and wish my luck in Rhode Island, I'm very, very nervous!

Please review!