Chapter 6- Harry Upsidedown
When Harry woke up next it was to a particularly annoying tapping noise that seemed to be coming from his left. Harry stretched catlike and looked over to nearly tumble out of bed, but a strong hand on his sholder prevented it. Harry looked at the blurry mass of black and began to calm himself knowing that there was no way Vernon dursley was that skinny. As his breathing returned to normal he heard an unmistakable silken drawl.
"I didn't realize I would disturb you so greatly, but it is time for you to wake. I brought you some clothes so you could hex the horrendous hospital pyjamas into oblivion." Harry grew wideyed as Severus gestured to what appeared to be a body bag. 'I hope I am not going to spoil the brat' Severus thought to himself as he tapped it with his wand, and it grew almost larger than Harry. "I forgot to check the closets, or the room for anything of yours, so I only brought whatever was in your trunk. So I had the house-elves go get you a few things. Let me know if you need anything else." He decided not to mention the clothes Harry had been wearing when he was found, no one needed to relive that fashion atrocity. Harry was sitting wide-eyed staring at the large duffle bag. No one had ever bought him clothes before. Well, Mrs. Weasley always gave him a sweater, but, nothing like this. And from Professor Snape? Harry wouldn't have been surprised to find they were all covered in itching powder, but still, this was the greatest gift anyone had given him since Hagrid told him he was a wizard. Harry turned and beamed up at the more than slightly ruffled professor.
"Thank you" he said finally. "No one has ever bought me…clothes before" Harry added, much more quietly. Severus's mask flickered showing what might have looked like concern, regret, and compassion had anyone noted the half second before his familiar façade of indifference coated his features. Behind the wall he was struggiling, the anger he felt when he saw Harry in the cupboard was rekindled. He remembered how small and starved he was, and how large Harry's clothes had been on him. They must have been handed down from that whale-boy. As he looked at Harry who was eagerly looking through the clothes he smiled to himself, maybe, just maybe, he could actually be good for Harry? It wouldn't take much to be better than the Dursleys.
" In a week or so we will be going to my house, but I will tell you more about that. I will let you change and wander around. You have free reign, but don't wear yourself out. Don't leave the grounds, and absolutely do not get into trouble" he said, levelling a glare on the boy as he walked out the door. Not waiting for Harry's response.
Harry started pulling the clothes out of the bag. Clothing was the one thing that Severus thought that the Muggle world generally did better than wizards. Though robes, with their many folds and pockets often had their advantages for the wizard, not the least the fact that a wand could be stored in a very easily accessible place. It wasn't hard to alter muggle clothing to hold it. There was a veritable wardrobe in the bag. Several pairs of designer jeans, a pair of kakis, a few pair of dress pants (two were black, one pair silver, one a deep grey, one earthy gray and so on), sweaters, several collared shirts, a pair of pajamas, a couple of tee shirts, a jean jacket, and a black leather jacket, boxers, (Harry had a little trouble with the thought of Snape picking out his undergarments but decided it was far better than Dudly's cast off tighty whities which were not tight on Harry nor white any longer, or worse the superman underwear from Dudley's toddler years.) socks, and several pairs of shoes. When he had thought there could be nothing else in the bag he found sets of wizarding clothing the most noteable of which was a winter white cashmere cloak. Undernieth that he found a Slytherin Quiddich Jersey with a piece of parchment pinned to it.
Harry,
I had my house-elves fetch these. It has been some time since they have been worn, but you should consider them. I think they are far more becoming than the Gryffindor .
Severus
Harry, deciding that it was far too odd to run around Hogwarts in muggle clothing, decided on the green robe. However he first tried on a few of the other articles. Everything fit him perfectly, well maybe a bit too big, but he suspected that was because they were hoping that he would put on a little weight and become more than a skeleton. Tempted, he was going to try on the quiddich robe as a joke, but decided better of it, fearing someone would walk in. He folded everything and put it in his trunk that was at the end of the hospital bed and fished out his wand. Wishing he had the map he nonetheless set out, with his staff, and wand up the sleve of his new robe. He hobbled his way outside and into the bright sunlight.
As Harry walked around outside and soaked in the sunshine he thought about everything that had happened. Questions ran through his head and he began debating with himself. Did Uncle Vernon really beat him? Rape him? Was all of this truly happening? Why did Snape, of all people, decide to take him in? whats next, him becoming friends with Malfoy? And get him clothes? And did he actually have a sense of humour? What day is it, did he miss his birthday? Harry had walked toward Hagrid's hut out of habit but he knew better than to assume Hagrid would still be there. "why do I cause pain and suffering to everyone who knows me. My parents, Ginny, Cedric, Uncle Vernon lost his job, and now is on trial in a wizarding court. What will even happen to Professor Snape. He's on the hit-list with me, is that why Dumbledore thought he was a good idea, because he is a marked man anyway? When will I cause harm to Ron, and Hermione…. I could never hurt Hermione… them, not just her, why did I say her? This has to be another one of my dreams. Another twisted nightmare that gives me hope. I'll wake up again in the cupboard for another beating, another rape, another day of servitude… Will someone really come and get me or is it only in my dreams?
And then when Sirius, Remus… even Dumbledore? As Harry continued this stream of thought he was crying and not paying attention to anything else. Soon he had entered the forbidden forest, but still upset he did not realize until he tripped over a large tree which had fallen in the path. Pain went shooting up his still injured arm and into his only reciently healed ribs. He sat himself on the tree and waited for the pain to subside before he went back. He was still crying, much less violently now, as he sat, each heaving breath made the pain worsen.
After an indeterminate amount of time he felt breath in his face and was nuzzled by a rather large animal. Harry opened his eyes to come nose to snout with a black, horse like animal. Just as his Gryffindor courage was failing, and was about to scream like a girl, in terror, it licked him. Harry began to laugh, and the horse neighed happily. Harry struggled to stand up and greet it properly but even with the help of the cane it was no easy feat. His new friend kneeled before him and pushed him up with his muzzle. Harry actually smiled at this. When he got a full view of the animal he ghasped. It was beautiful. Pure black, with green eyes, it had a horn, like a unicorn's, except instead of pure gold in colour it was a swirl of silver and blue. The blue glinting in the sun like a diamond. His hoofs were all made of different colours, and matched the bands on Harry's staff. On his chest blazed in white was a lightining bolt and two phoenix wings worn proudly as a badge. On his back were a set of wings, Harry could tell that they were enormous and quite powerful, but at the moment they were tucked away. It snorted loudly, and Harry ran a hand down its neck. Still knealing the horse seemed to want to get moving. It nudged Harry in the direction of its back, and pushed him up. Harry grasped the mane with one hand, holding his staff in the other, and the magnificent animal rose to its feet.
Harry heard a buzzing in his head. He tried to focus on it and thought he heard someone ask "Do you mind if we fly Hyaithier Potter?"
"No not at all, in fact I might enjoy it" he heard himself saying before he could debate his sanity. Just then the unicorn increased his pace and spread his wings gracefully taking the air. He began flying up above the trees, when Harry heard the buzzing again.
"Do not be alarmed, but in a few seconds we will become invisible so I am not spotted." Then there was a great pop and the two were no longer creating shadows as they flew over the trees and back towards Hogwarts. It was breathtaking. Harry smiled as he saw the headmaster looking out his window as they flew by, close enough to send in a breeze that scattered the parchments on his desk. They flew around Gryffindor tower, and Harry looked into his dorm room. Then they began to soar upwards again, circled, and decended to touchdown on the lake's surface. Then the war unicorn walked calmly on the water back to the shore. He seemed pleased with himself, and began prancing about on the shore. "Did you enjoy Hyathier? It asked hopefully.
Harry was lost for words and ended up saying the first thing that came to his head. "It was Bloody Brilliant!" and began to laugh as he remembered Ron. "Thank you!" he continued. The magnificent beast shook his head proudly. "I have a question, well many, but to start, why did you come to me?" asked Harry as his mind wandered over the many odd things that had been happening reciently.
"I was born to serve you, The IsixisI Harry Potter. I was to enter your service, sir, on your fifteenth birthday, but first I was to become accustomed to Hogwarts, and when I saw you, I recognized your staff, but you did not appear well, and I did not desire to loose my Lord to some small wild beast when I could easily take him to safety, and reveal myself to him." It said proudly with another shake of its gleaming mane.
"What is an IsixisI, why are you to serve me? I'm just Harry" Harry replied, confused.
"It is your title." It said simply. And did not elaborate.
"What is your title then?" asked Harry, wondering if this creature believed everything had such a title.
"I am Ahild, and I have the proud title of mount to the IsixisI. But you may call me what you will" It said, proudly once more.
"My Lord, I apoligise for not coming to get you sooner. By rule when one of our kind enters the wizard's realm it is not until the day of their coming of age. Even then, my lord, you are exceptionally young for such an event, and I believed my calendars to be wrong. I as your steed am responsible for your wellbeing and I was unaware that as a child your well-being was at stake. In our relm the young are protected from ones such as that enormous man. Your elders are upset they have failed you. As am I. I hope that you shall in time learn to trust me, and as such allow me to aid you in sorting through the mess that now creates a black cloud in your aura. But alas it grows late I shall rejoin you as the days draw near, but do not hesitate to call me if you are in need. You are far too slim and the dinner hour approaches." Ahild lowered himself out of the sky and landed just before the entrance hall. He kneeled for Harry to get off. As Harry stood, the animal nuzzled him again and trotted off into the forest once more. Harry watched his retreat and shook his head beginning to dread the school year, if the summer was any indication; it was going to be wild.
Harry smiled at the thought of his new friend and climbed up the entry way steps and balancing precariously with his good arm on the staff holding him up he opened the door. Only after did he realize what a bad decision he had made. The movement only served to remind him that his ribs and elbow were still searing with pain. He had forgotten about them when he was riding, but now. He thought about going back to the hospital wing but it seemed quite unappealing especially because it would force him to stay in the hospital wing for at least another night, so he milled about the entry hall trying to decide where he was going to go and wishing he had his map so he could go find Sirius. He began to think about the possible location of the anamagus. He wished he would be around, but not knowing where he was, Harry decided the best thing to do would be go to the great hall. The horse did say it was time for dinner. Just as he turned in that direction Sirius appeared. He looked more than a bit confused but smiled when he saw Harry and gave him a big hug. Harry winced and stepped back. Sirius looked him over, inspecting him to see how his recovery was going but got distracted by his godson's new clothes.
"Wow, nice new threads" he said fishing for an explanation. "did you go on a shopping spree… Dumbledore would never let you out… did you slip out to Hogsmead?" he continued jokeingly. Getting no reaction from Harry his face fell "You did didn't you? You are stupider than James, you couldn't defend yourself, look at you your crippled" Sirius said chastising the boy. Harry pouted at the crippled comment and Sirius rolled his eyes.
"So?"
"No mother, I did not sneak out to Hogsmead. Though thanks for the idea" he said mischeviously. "And… why is it you looked so confused when you saw me?"
"Why I did not look confused when I saw you! Well, I was wondering where you got the clothes, but.." Harry looked at him, eyes glinting, telling Sirius knew he knew he was lying. 'what am I going to tell him? I am an old man, and forgot that I had come to the enterance hall, one minute I was in my room, and I definitely don't remember walking here, or wanting to come here, and the next I was here, but then I saw you…?' he thought to himself.
Harry teased Sirius for being old and forgetting why he was confused. Then Sirius proceeded to pick him up and flip him upside down and begin to tickle him. "Honestly….you… don't want… toknow.." Harry said through ghasps of breath and laughs. "put… me… down… ribs… still… healing" He finished as he continued to laugh.
"I'll put you down if you tell me which of your admirers sent you some beautiful new robes for your birthday" Sirius chided, as he continued to tickle Harry. "I thought we were close, I mean you should have told me you had a girlfriend. Just like James, he didn't tell me either. I had to discover them. It only took me 5 months of making a fool of myself hitting on Lilly." Sirius reminisced.
Harry began to snicker. "You hit on my mum? What kind of best friend were you, not even noticing and then pining after his girlfriend" He teased, and then was slightly sickened thinking about his mum as a teenager and Sirius hitting on her.
"Everyone was after her, you know, not just me. She was beautiful, and brilliant. Even a few of our favorite Slytherins" he said, and Harry realized he meant Professor Snape. Harry laughed.
"Alright, all the blood has gone to my head, can I please be put down, properly, on the ground?" Harry said as he thanked his lucky stars he hadn't had lunch. Then in a much more serious tone. "Sirius, have you ever seen a black unicorn before, with wings, and green eyes, and blue hoofs?" Sirius stopped and nearly dropped him.
"I think the blood really did go to your head…a Thestial is not a unicorn, not even close, and most people can't see them…or are you on drugs little Hawikins?" he said, teasing just as Severus and Dumbledore happened to be walking by. Harry was already looking concerned at Sirius's reaction, and when he saw the upsidedown version of Snape he became concerned that he would actually believe Harry was on drugs. Severus caughed. "I am holding him upside down until he answers a few questions. Standard interrogation procedure" Sirius said as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
"You might end up having to work out, if he ever grows." Severus reponded. "And what are we interrogating him about?" Severus drawled. "You know if he doesn't talk we could always hand him over to Filch" he finished while winking at Harry. Dumbledore was standing back analyzing the entire scene with that customary twinkle, though even he looked a bit curious as to what this was all about.
Sirius looked scared, worried that Severus might actually send Harry to Filch. "It was nothing, he wont tell me which of his admirers sent him such nice clothing, and then he tried to change the subject asking me if I had ever seen a "black and blue winged unicorn" Severus who had been smirking as Sirius talked about the robes suddenly turned a touch grey. Dumbledore lost his composure for a second. They both turned to look at the reddened face of the upside down Harry. Sirius was beginning to think that everyone else in the room knew something he didn't. Snape was the first to recover. "If you put the boy down I'll tell you who the robes came from." He said in the coustomary icy tone that his students often received. Sirius put Harry down gingerly and gave him his cane looking at both of them curiously. "I couldn't have a child in my care running around naked now could I? And thank you for admiring my style." Harry who had been silent worrying that they would fight, snorted and then, unable to hold it in after seeing Sirius's reaction,began laughing.
Sirius stood gapping at Severus. "But…" he blurted out thinking of the way that the potions master's "Your… greesy hair hangs ever so devoid of style next to your robes which are fit for a mortician." he continued, and Severus gave him a somewhat mocking glare. "Though you did always have nice shoes" he added thoughtfully, not realizing that he had said it out loud until he saw Snape's face. At which point his jaw dropped open.
"I seem not to pay attention to my own personal appearance?" filled in Severus. "I think I've gotten a bit better in the past few days, no?" and Sirius actually looked at Severus noticing the clean hair and smile that would rival Lockheart's. "Close your mouth, you could catch flies that way" he finished with a small smirk before turning to Harry. "I think the better question is not whether or not Sirius has seen a black winged unicorn, but rather if you have." He drawled, but in a voice mixed with concern and incredulity. Harry, who had been silently enjoying the argument and Sirius making a fool of himself, suddenly turned grey. From the way they were saying it it sounded like he'd end up in St. Mungo's before they would believe him.
"No, I thought I saw one in a book I was reading…" Severus looked a mixture between concerned and angry, he knew very well that none of the books Harry had access to had what he thought Harry was referring to in it, and also that there hadn't been much time for reading considering that the boy was outside all day.
"Sneeking into the Restricted Section and reading mythical accounts of the ancient Magus there Mr. Potter? And here I was thinking you had spent the day outside." Severus said.
"Of course not, but If that's where I can read about them thanks for the advise, maybe tomorrow." Harry said and received one of Severus's famous glares.Dumbledore nodded to himself and decided that there had been enough interrogation of Harry for a while.
"Well, seeing as Harry was outside for the day, I don't believe we should be worried. Anyone hungry for dinner?" He said. "Severus we were on our way there." "Harry, Sirius, you should join us" he finished with a finality all three had grown to recognize in their years at Hogwarts and beyond. Before leading them out of the room he turned and looked at the boy "Harry, if you have anything to tell me, my office is always open" If Harry hadn't been so accustomed to the headmaster seeming to know everything that was going on, he might have been more taken aback by this comment. Harry just shook his head to indicate no, and they all went to the Great Hall for dinner. At the staff table sat a relatively large amount of people Harry didn't or only vaguely recognized, as well as Remus Lupin, Madam Pomfry, professor Flitwick, Professor Grubbly-plank, the Ancient Ruin's Professor, and Professor Vector as well as people he recognized from his first trip to Diagon Alley; Perpetua Kettleburn, Doris Crockford, Dedalus Diggle, Mundugus Fletcher, someone who looked remarkably like a young version of his former babysitter, and… Bill Weasley.
AN:
Please Read Authors Notes at the beginning of the Story, This really wasn't my favourite chapter, but I like the image of Sirius holding Harry upsideown.
Please take a second and review.. I know, I know, such a chore… I gave you a chapter though, so.. can you give me at least a one word reply?