Author's Note: For those of you who wished for the plot to get rolling… Here you go!
For those of you I email to let you know when I update, I will have to send that out this evening, as I'm uploading this chapter away from my normal desktop (I just couldn't wait! g).
As always, thank you so much for reviewing. It's what I live for!
Chapter 21
It's a beautiful evening. Thunderstorm clouds are swirling about, nearly greenish underneath. Brief flashes of lightening illuminate the clouds above me and my return to Hogwarts. I can't help but feel cheerful as the storm front bellows through, kicking up dust and blowing sheets of rain nearly sideways haphazardly. A bolt strikes not further away than the length of the Quidditch field. The rumble of thunder is close enough for me to feel the reverberation against my chest bone. Glorious.
I hope for some type of casualty before the night is through. I'm not particular, but of course my preference would be some dumb animal in the Forbidden Forest. After all, class is not in session. In fact, first thing in the morning I'll scour the forest looking for just that. Ingredients are thousands of times more powerful when touched by the elements. Felled trees and other shrubs struck by lightening make for some of the most powerful charms created. The only thing more powerful than lightening is the life essence of blood, and when you have these things combined… My palms get sweaty and itchy, and my skin tingles with anticipation. Who needs Christmas? This is *so* much better.
Nearly a decade ago, I knew a Hufflepuff who'd gotten struck and lived. Damn fool thought it was a good idea to take his broom for a spin in a storm because it was so much *cooler* to practice Quidditch in. Ah well. The Sorting Hat hadn't put him in Ravenclaw for a reason. In the end, I gave him excellent marks and little difficulties in my class. He'd been a more than willing donor, and a never-ending supply at that, but alas… he's gone on to some obscure place overseas, and in truth his debt to me was paid long ago.
Sighing nostalgically, I realize I'm nearly to Hogwarts already, yet I barely remember the journey. A bit disorienting. I never used to lose track of my surroundings like this. I blame Albus. The man's kept me in a perpetual state of distraction since beginning my teaching career here. Teaching career. I snort at my own humor. My trunk still floats obediently behind me, and my rain repelling charm is working nicely as it appears completely dry, but it's certainly flying lower than normal, I notice out of the corner of my eye. Frowning, I realize the damn thing is making sure I'm higher up than it is.
"You are entirely replaceable," I scowl at my impertinent trunk. It has limited sentience, and most times I never notice, but I've suddenly become painfully aware that it's volunteered *me* as a lightening rod. Picking up my pace, I can hear the odd crackling sound of electricity from another strike far too close for comfort. There is no hesitation as the thunder claps around me now, the sharp retort echoing over the lake, and my heart begins to beat wildly. For a brief moment, I wonder how capable Pomfrey would be at reviving me.
If I stay out here and *did* get struck but survived… Hmmm. I'm nearly at the Hogwarts front entrance, and for a moment I hesitate. Should I?.... Tempting… Naaah, I decide as another bolt strikes a tree I'd been under just minutes before. I'm not *that* confident in Pomfrey's abilities, and damn Potter anyway…
The castle is dark and still, the only sound audible is the cloudburst that I've missed by seconds. As I hurry to my chambers and the decadent peace which is my potions laboratory, I realize that suddenly I feel a presence. Frowning, I turn quickly behind me, wand at the ready... but there's nothing. Perhaps it's Peeves, but I doubt it. The ghosts *feel* differently, oddly enough. I'm sensitive to such things, and have even learned that sometimes life… or the lack thereof… has signatures. I've lived a long life not just on luck, but also relying on my instincts. And right now my instincts are screaming that something's not right. Something *living* is nearby, and doesn't belong.
"Lumos," I say, and the gray hallway I'm traveling is abruptly glaringly bright, it's tapestries reanimating in its cheerful light. Urrgh. An orange streak tears across the hallway in front of me, its claws skittering against the stone floor gratingly, chasing a grayish blur, oblivious of the suit of arms that leaps out of its way. I stare after the retreating twin streaks in surprise. I swear the orange blur looks somewhat like a cat, but I'm only aware of one cat (sort of) in this castle; Mrs. Norris, and she most definitely isn't orange.
Ah. Home at last. Speaking my password softly, I reassure myself by sensing that all my wards remain intact around my private sanctuary. Sighing contentedly I direct my trunk to its accustomed place, not bothering to illuminate my chambers. In truth, I know every centimeter of this place, every nook and cranny. I could put books away in the dark if I so chose.
"Severus," Albus' voice calls from the darkness. I start so dramatically that my trunk hits the ceiling before settling in its final resting place. I ignore its slight whimper. Whiner. I light the torches in my room, still keeping the lighting dim. Something's wrong. His voice is fatigued and sad, and he's been sitting in my chambers, clearly waiting for me, in the dark.
"Yes, Albus?" I ask. My mouth has gone dry.
"I have something to ask of you. You are certainly under no obligations," he says. My heart begins to beat rapidly, thumping in my chest like a scared rabbit's.
"What is it, Albus? What's happened?" I ask, but somehow I already know.
"It's beginning," he replies, and as I clearly see his face for the first time, I note how red his eyes are, and my cheerfulness plummets. Merlin. He looks like he's been crying.
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Harry sat nestled in the corner of the living room in a chair. Sirius had wrapped him up in blankets, so that only his face and perpetually untidy black hair peeked out. He had his feet tucked underneath him, and only the faint quiver of the blanket fold where he clutched it to his chest gave away his present physical state. Otherwise, his eyes were brighter and more lively than Remus had seen him in weeks, peering from behind his glasses bemusedly at the family scene unfolding before him.
"…enough! You're going to have to return *all* of Harry's things to Percy's old room this instant. This is unacceptable," Molly Weasley scolded Ron roundly. Remus skirted around the two combatants in the middle of the living room with his cup of tea and sat beside Harry on the ledge of the fireplace. Remus was finally feeling nearly recovered from the last full moon. It had been particularly hard on him, and he relished how his own teacup no longer chattered in its saucer. Sighing contentedly, Remus watched in good humor the scene that Harry evidently also found funny. Tiny dimples kept appearing and disappearing at the corner of Harry's mouth as he struggled to keep from grinning.
"…but…" Ron tried to interject. And failed.
"No 'buts' about it. You lot are all to put things back before lunch. I can't believe you, Ron. He's your brother!" Molly said in exasperation. She'd gathered her hair up into a loose bun that Remus realized reminded him very much of his grandmother; old fashioned and soft. Her red hair was breaking loose of it's confines and floating about her head crazily like feathers. All in all, she looked awfully flustered for so early in the morning. Of course, with five children still at home, Remus thought it remarkable that Molly ever looked composed at all.
"Don't remind me," Ron muttered, and Remus saw Harry's eyes widen. Remus had to silently agree at that sentiment. Bad idea, Ron. Molly's head whipped to glare at him, her hair still floating… much like ancient legends of Medusa. Remus sipped at his tea before his imagination got *too* carried away.
"Don't be petty, and *don't* do this again. Oh, and tell Hermione *she* doesn't have to help you, as I heard her trying to discourage you earlier," Molly said. Ron scowled, his face bright red as he stomped towards the stairs. Remus watched as Ron glanced towards Harry, who looked at his friend in exasperation. It appeared Harry was just fine with Percy's room. Ron's eyes narrowed. Clearly he disagreed with Harry. Remus smiled faintly into his cup at the exchange, and was heartened by how protective of Harry Ron was. When the dualists had returned to their respective corners, or floors as the case might be, Remus turned back to Harry.
"How are you feeling?" Remus asked him. Harry smiled and rolled his eyes.
"Oh, you know. Like I have a permanent Jelly-Legs curse," he replied with an ironic look.
"How were the stairs?" Remus asked. He discovered that how Harry managed the staircase was a good gauge for how functional his limbs were.
"Sirius helped me quite a bit," Harry said, his lip twisting a little to one side. He clearly didn't like having to be helped. Remus wondered how much of that was because of his childhood. How much could be attributed to his forced sense of independence, and how much was just plain pride?
"Why isn't he down here? " Remus asked. Harry's eyes lit up. He was clearly pleased with himself. "What?" Remus asked, curious.
"I made him a deal. I promised to eat five small meals today, as long as he got another couple of hours sleep and a shower," Harry explained.
"Got stubborn, did you? What prompted that?" Remus asked with a sly smile, pleased at the bargain Sirius had struck. Harry was still wasting away, and his appetite, although an improvement over when he first arrived at the Burrow, was still far too light for a growing fifteen year old boy. And Remus didn't even want to imagine how much caffeine Sirius had drunk, forcing himself to stay up with Harry.
"It's not easy to talk to a guy who shows his tonsils more than his eyes," Harry replied, and Remus raised an eyebrow in surprise. That's a dry statement. Perhaps he's been spending too much time around Severus.
"Good morning, Harry," Arthur Weasley said as he came out of the kitchen where Molly was now bustling about and settled on the couch with his own cup of tea and a pastry. "You're looking better," he remarked, and Remus watched Arthur look at Harry speculatively, his eyes thoughtful as they took in the ready smile and trembling hands. A brief frown flitted across his face before disappearing back into a pleasant expression. Subtle, Remus realized.
Arthur was a natural politician… without the dishonest tendencies. He was also Remus' personal nomination for Muggle sainthood, based on his patience with both his family (especially the twins) and his career, or lack thereof, at the Ministry. Because of his sympathies for Muggles, Arthur knew he'd never advance far, yet still he remained dedicated to breaching the gap and prejudice between the magical and non-magical, and trying to put an end to intolerance and discrimination based upon wizarding bloodlines.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Harry replied. There was a pregnant pause as it appeared Arthur wanted to chit chat with Harry, but didn't quite know what to say. Harry must have sensed it.
"How's work?" he asked Arthur politely, who nearly spit tea all over his robes. Molly poked her head out of the kitchen door. Remus felt conflicted about whether to smile at Arthur's response or be horrified by it. It certainly wasn't a good sign.
"Arthur?" she asked, looking at him in concern. Remus raised an eyebrow, and glanced quickly at Harry. Harry's expression must have mirrored his own. Harry gestured with his eyes at Arthur. Remus nodded. No, that did *not* bode well. Harry read that right.
"Nothing, dear. Just went down the wrong pipe," Arthur said between coughs. "Work's fine, Harry. A bit more… intense than usual, but otherwise…" he said, and let his voice drift off as he frowned. His eyes shifted to Harry, and Remus knew suddenly why he was so reluctant to talk. The 'disappearances' that Harry's dreamt about so often. That's what was happening at the Ministry. Harry seemed to realize it as well, for he sighed and absently bit the inside of his cheek.
"Will they be holding a World Cup this year?" Harry asked, changing the subject to Arthur's evident relief. Remus watched, amazed at how sensitive to other's moods Harry was. His stomach clenched when he realized Harry had probably developed it as a defense mechanism at the Dursleys. But Lily's always been amazingly intuitive as well… Remus allowed himself to hope that not all of Harry's sensitivity had been forced on him by a painful childhood.
"They're still in negotiations as to its location," Arthur replied, annoyance evident in his voice. Remus felt his curiosity pique.
"Isn't that leaving it a little late?" Remus asked after taking another sip of tea, surprised. "Shouldn't something like this have been planned months, if not years in advance?" Arthur nodded and sighed.
"Gringott's Field backed out, saying they wouldn't be able to properly insure the event, so we're desperately interviewing several possibilities," Arthur replied. Harry looked thoughtful for a moment, then rubbed absently at his scar. Remus and Arthur both froze, waiting. After a few seconds, Harry sighed and closed his eyes for a moment wearily before tucking his hand back underneath the blanket. He didn't notice our concerned expressions, or even the brief look Arthur and I shared. Harry still felt pain in his scar. That was evident.
"Harry?" Remus asked gently. Harry nodded and opened his eyes again, smiling reassuringly at him.
"I'm okay, Remus. Sorry. You were saying?" Harry turned back to Arthur. Molly came out with a tray full of pastries and a glass of pumpkin juice with a straw, which she sat on the table beside Harry's chair. Arthur looked delighted for the reprieve, setting his empty tea cup down and standing up. So much for chit chat, Remus thought wryly.
"Well, I must be getting ready," he announced to the room at large. Molly looked at Arthur with a puzzled expression as he headed upstairs, then turned back to propping a plate on the arm of the chair and firmly setting Harry's juice in his hand.
Remus looked up as Hermione came downstairs, shaking her head with a slight smile of exasperation. She was already dressed as if for school in a blouse, pleated skirt and knee highs, and carried several books under her arm. She takes the image of school 'brain' seriously, Remus thought with an amused smile. As she rounded the corner after the bottom step she sighed dramatically at Harry.
"Well, at least he doesn't do things halfway," Hermione said as she dropped onto the couch where Arthur had previously been in a very teenage gesture. Remus had yet to figure out the mysterious adolescent tendency to be so hard on furniture in general. The only one worse at it was Sirius, and Remus clamped down on that train of thought before he snickered into his cup.
"How so?" Harry asked.
"He even moved the posters and changed the wall colors," Hermione said. Harry appeared to nearly gag on his juice, blowing loud bubbles into the glass through the straw as he choked. Little bits of pumpkin juice now spattered his glasses, forcing him to squint in annoyance. As if on cue, muffled shouts from upstairs indicated there was some disagreement as to 'where' to put Harry's furniture. "I suspect you're room is about to be rearranged," Hermione observed calmly. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Please tell me the orange color isn't permanent," Harry said in mock terror. Remus laughed softly. He absolutely had to agree with that sentiment. Few colors grated on his nerves worse than that bright shade of… fluorescent mandarin. Remus realized that it would be a while before Harry could clean his glasses, considering it took all his efforts not to drop his drink, so Remus lifted his wand and discretely whispered a cleaning spell. Harry smiled at Remus gratefully.
Hermione snickered at Harry's comment, then eyed his plate of pastries speculatively. "That looks like a fine idea. I'll be right back," she said with a grin, quickly standing again and retreating to the kitchen.
The wards at the Burrow never went off, Remus later learned. The explosion that rocked the house was the front door being blasted in. They stormed through the doorway with wands ready. The Ministry Aurors had come. Remus had dropped his cup and had his wand ready before the first Auror cleared the door.
"What was that?" Molly came running out of the kitchen, with Hermione at her side. Hermione also had her wand drawn, 'good girl', and Remus heard her intake of breath in recognition of the Burrow's newest arrivals. Her eyes darted from Remus to the Aurors.
"Ministry business," the first Auror through the door said, a tall man with cold gray eyes and a slight nervous tick. His lips seemed curled into an almost permanent sneer. Remus recognized the distant, judging look the man wore. This Auror had no doubt that all the wizards he apprehended were guilty, and had probably never questioned an order in his life.
All the Aurors present in the Burrow living room wore the blue robes of the Ministry, and their badges gleamed brightly in the morning light. That was good. That meant that at least the Ministry hadn't felt the need to send the additional firepower of the Unspeakables. Of course, with ten Aurors in the living room and clearly more outside, the Ministry was still blatantly flexing it's muscles.
Remus had his wand at the ready, but waited, watching all around him nervously. This could get bloody in a hurry, and the last thing he wanted was one of the Weasleys injured. He knew that Arthur would need to be the one to speak to these men. *He* would set the tone and dictate what needed to be done next. It was, after all, his family in the crossfire, and Remus still trusted Arthur implicitly, since by all appearances Harry was indeed a part of that family as well.
"Harry, use it," Remus said under his breath.
"What are you doing?" Molly asked of the Aurors, stepping into the living room from the kitchen. She had pulled her wand out now as well. As Molly crossed the dining room, Hermione followed closely at her back, face tense and brown eyes dancing over the Aurors, noticing their wands, their badges, their expressions. Probably memorizing names, Remus realized.
Remus also realized that she didn't look like a teenager, she looked like someone preparing for war. The grim set of her jaw, and how tightly her hand clenched her wand, clearly prepared to use it, were far too adult. She fully intends to go against Ministry of Magic Aurors if she has to. It pained Remus to realize how much more mature Harry's generation were than his own had been… or perhaps it was just his friends. Hermione began to twist the wand in her hand, evidently trying to make her fingers relax.
"We're here for Harry Potter," the first Auror said.
"I demand a proof of writ," Arthur called from the top of the stairs. Remus glanced up in relief. He would hopefully disarm the situation at least a little. "Who's in charge here?" Arthur had donned his own Ministry clothes, his spectacles reflecting the bright morning sunlight.
"Harry… Use it," Remus said again to the boy beside him, referring to the portkey he knew Dumbledore given him. He could see Harry struggling to stand out of the corner of his eye. He was panting, and he tottered precariously as he tried to stabilize himself.
"I am. Barney Worsendale. Here we are, sir. The paper you requested," the man behind the twitchy Auror said. Evidently *he* was the one in charge. He pulled out a scroll and strode forward, handing to Arthur, who was quickly descending the stairs.
"Arthur?" Molly asked, now standing on the other side of Harry, looking at her husband with concern and fear written on her face. Her freckles stood out against her pale skin, but Remus felt his heart burst with pride as she glanced at Harry and gave him an enormous smile. "You'll be just fine," she reassured him firmly. Harry, however, didn't appear consoled. Remus didn't, either.
"Harry…" Remus prompted, glancing at Harry, whose eyes were glued to Arthur and the other Aurors. Was Harry ignoring him or had he just not heard him?
"What's going on?" Ron asked as he appeared from Harry's bedroom, Fred, George and Ginny in tow. Ron stopped dead as he surveyed the scene below him, and his eyes locked on Harry and Hermione. Abruptly, Ron's eyes narrowed and his wand was out in a flash as well. Remus felt a another surge of pride at his brave former students.
"Mum?" Ginny asked, eyes wide as she looked around. Fred and George spun on their heel and went to their rooms. To get their wands, no doubt, Remus realized.
"It's okay, honey. Just stay in your room," Molly instructed Ginny. Ginny nodded, and backed up towards her room, not turning her back on the scene below.
"Is everyone okay? What was…?" Sirius' voice called from upstairs, his hair hanging flat against his skull, still damp from his earlier shower. Oh Merlin. He sounded sleepy and disoriented, his clothing slightly rumpled from the nap. Remus felt his world narrow into that one moment, each second more painfully slow than the last. This was what he'd been afraid of, and had tried to prepare for. He *had* to get Sirius out *now*.
"Arthur!" Remus cried. Faster than Remus' eyes could follow, Arthur's hand slipped up his sleeve. It appeared with a wand, which he proceeded to throw upstairs.
"Stop!" the Auror nearest to Arthur barked, but it was already too late.
"Padfoot!" Arthur yelled, and Remus watched as Sirius automatically strode forward to catch the wand, still out of view of the Aurors but in clear view of the rest of the family. Sirius' face was intent on the wand, but his eyes slipped from the scene below to watching the wand fly towards him with practiced ease. It was the fluidity of motion and his clear ability to concentrate on multiple things at once that reminded Remus painfully that Sirius had once been an Auror himself, and a damn fine one. He caught the wand easily in his fist, and shot a smile of gratitude at Arthur as he jutted his jaw in preparation for battle. His eyes widened in shock as the portkey whisked him away to safety with a 'pop'. Remus sighed with relief even as he desperately wanted to vomit. The grayish pallor of Arthur's face indicated that he felt the same way Remus now did. He'd just betrayed his best friend. But Sirius was safe. That's what matters.
"Harry, what are you doing? Use the portkey!" Remus said more firmly, and felt his breath leave his body is if someone had just physically gut punched him. Harry shook his head 'no', his face ghostly white.
"Dad, what's going on?" Ron said as he descended the stairs, clearly rattled at Sirius' disappearance, his eyes still trained on the Aurors.
"Who was that?! What did you just do?!" Barney demanded, and the rest of the Aurors began to fill into the room, wands pointed. The unexpected made them profoundly nervous. Nearly twenty Aurors for one teenage boy. How brave, Remus thought angrily. He took a deep breath to calm himself as he felt the wolf stir protectively within him. The Aurors looked ready to curse at any moment. Harry had to leave now.
"No one. Nothing. He's shy," Ron said automatically, his own wand trained on the Aurors below. He slowly walked down the stairs, his motions careful not to startle anyone.
"What are the charges?" Arthur demanded of the Auror, Barney.
"He's wanted for questioning in the death of Cedric Diggory and a string of wizarding disappearances," Barney Worsendale replied. He was a smaller man, with white hair shaved close to his skull. He was barrel chested, but the bulk around his middle didn't look like fat. He was clearly angry that someone had fled, and that he didn't know who.
"Then an adult will accompany him, or he'll be questioned here," Molly said firmly. Arthur looked at her in surprise, then a brief smile flashed across his lips before settling once more into a grim line. Why hadn't Harry used the portkey yet? This situation was obviously about to get much worse.
"Sorry, but the Minister says he's to come alone," the twitchy Auror replied, obviously not sorry at all.
"What are you doing, Harry? Get *out* of here," Remus said, softly so that only Molly, Hermione and Harry heard him.
"I'm not going to use it," Harry replied. His hands were trembling, and Remus realized he wouldn't be able to stay on his feet much longer. Harry appeared frightened, but mostly… determined.
"What are you talking about? If you've got a portkey, use it!" Hermione hissed angrily to Harry. Remus didn't think the Aurors could hear their conversation, but the fact that they were having one was making them nervous.
"When they question me, they'll hear about Voldemort's return… and that Peter Pettigrew is still alive," Harry said firmly, and Remus felt his heart sink. Oh Merlin. Oh no. What is Harry thinking!?
"Oh, Harry…" Hermione said softly as tears welled up in her eyes. She looked at Remus imploringly. Exactly, Remus thought.
"Fudge is out of control. There's a very real chance they'll use Veritaserum on you," Remus said, trying to instill the ramifications of that into Harry. "Do you *know* what that could do to you?"
"No! He's too young! That could kill him!" Molly said, her eyes wide in horror as she looked at Remus, then glanced towards Arthur, who was still talking firmly to Barney.
"Tell Sirius I love him. Tell him this is my bright idea, and that I *want* to do this. If I can make others at the Ministry believe me, that Voldemort has returned, maybe we can turn this around. And if I can prove Sirius' innocence…" Harry said, his jaw set with determination. Oh Gods… So *that* is what this was about. Oh no… Not again…
"Harry, there are other ways," Hermione said. Remus nearly applauded. Yes! Let him listen to reason! he thought. Please, let him listen. Harry shook his head.
"I don't have much longer, and I'm the only witness. This way it's on record," Harry replied. His straightforward assessment of his health stunned Hermione. Her jaw snapped shut with a click.
"Harry, you've seen Ministry justice firsthand. How can you willingly place yourself in their hands when you've seen what they did to Sirius? Surely you're not that naïve!" Remus said, trying to pound a little sense into Harry.
"If I run, I've lost that much more credibility. Not that I had much to begin with," Harry said with a bitter snort. Remus cringed. Harry appeared prepared to do this, in spite of all he'd seen done against Sirius.
"He's not going alone," Molly said to both Arthur and Barney, her voice determined as she stepped closer to Remus.
"Do you have the portkey with you?" Remus asked him. Because if Harry did, Remus was fully prepared to grab it, and Harry with him. He was going to get him out of here one way or the other.
"No. I left it upstairs," Harry said. Remus knew they were lost as Harry said it. He wanted to bang his head against the fireplace in frustration. The fireplace…
Remus grabbed Harry around the waist simultaneously as he reached above the mantle and threw floo powder into the fire. "Diagon Alley," Remus cried, carrying Harry as he fled through the fireplace. His surroundings blurred, and Remus decided they could disappear quickly into Muggle London before the Aurors got a chance to follow. Harry struggled against Remus' grip, which only made him tighten it more. You're not going anywhere, Remus thought firmly. I'm not losing you. I'm not losing Sirius.
As he stumbled out of the fireplace, voices shouted all around Remus as he automatically hit the ground, rolling with Harry still held close. Are they in Diagon Alley, too? How could they possibly have known? Remus wondered, then realized with a sinking heart just where he was. He was still at the Burrow. The Ministry had disabled the Weasleys from the Floo Network. Remus closed his eyes bitterly. He wanted to force Harry to tell him where the portkey was. Maybe he could have the twins look for it, if he shouted its' description. Harry stared back, his eyes solemn and apologetic. Remus wanted to wring his neck in frustration. He has no idea…
Of all the possible scenarios Remus had tried to prepare for… this had not been it. Never in a million years had Remus thought Harry would feel the need to try to tell the truth about Sirius and Voldemort, although in retrospect he was disgusted at his own shortsightedness. It is *just* like Harry to feel he has to do this. You have to find a way to prove your worth, without realizing how precious you already are to those around you," Remus thought as he looked his best friend's son. Don't you realize what this will do to Sirius? Remus wanted to scream. But in this rapidly deteriorating situation, he realized that Harry already shouldered enough guilt of his own.
"Remus... You know why I'm doing this," Harry said firmly. They both had landed behind and slightly underneath the coffee table, nearly nose to nose. Remus could still smell the faint scent of pumpkin juice on his breath, and the reddness of his eyes that Severus had been concerned about was much more pronounced. Remus closed his eyes for a moment and knew tears had begun to fall. No. He's not going.
"This is an unacceptable breach of protocol…" Arthur began to say as the group of Aurors, as if on an unspoken cue, aimed at various people in the room and began to curse.
"Stupify!" was uttered by a multitude of voices, as well as a variety of other hexes as Ron and Hermione ducked out of the way. Remus couldn't see where Arthur was now, but knew it had gone too far beyond talk anyway. Molly fell to the ground unconscious and Remus suppressed a howl of rage as Harry stilled beside him, also hit by a curse, his eyes closed as if asleep. There were just too many to duck or dodge. Remus began shouting counter curses in an aggressive barrage designed to distract his attackers. Hermione and Ron also began to fight back. Soon most of the Aurors in the room where using various pieces of upended furniture as a shield.
"Ron, take out as many as you can. Harry's got a portkey somewhere. If we can buy some time…" Hermione instructed as she inched closer to Ron's side. He'd leapt over the side of the staircase and was currently crouching behind an overturned end table. Remus nodded. It's as good a plan as any.
The twins and Ginny had entered the melee, shouting curses as well, but as some Aurors fell, more swelled their ranks from outside. Soon they had most of the attackers either pinned or unconscious. Ron shouted up to Ginny to look in Harry's room for anything which struck her as 'odd', explaining it was a portkey, and instructed Fred and George to continue to try to keep the Aurors at bay. Unfortunately, the Aurors heard Ron's instructions, and this goaded them into action.
The Ministry had not prepared barriers against portkeys, as evidenced by Sirius' escape. Just Disappartion and using the Floo Network. Barney proved remarkably agile as he sprinted across the room to Harry's side under cover of a slew of fresh spells from his fellow Aurors and scooped Harry up in his arms. Remus reached out to try to grab Harry to his chest, to try to physically shield him with his body if necessary, but Barney kicked savagely at Remus, catching him in the ribs. The impact lifted him in the air a few feet and he could *hear* bone crack, as his head to hit the coffee table, scattering pastries and spilling tea everywhere. Barney looked at Remus, his eyes squinted in anger, and reached into his pocket. No. He and Harry disappeared with a 'pop'.
As soon as Harry was gone, the others departed. Arthur ran to Molly, holding her to his chest as tears coursed down his cheeks. She was still unconscious.
"I couldn't protect him. I couldn't protect him. I'm so sorry. I couldn't protect him…," he kept repeating. Remus stood up shakily, wincing against the sharp pain that lanced his chest with each breath, looking at his wand in disgust. The curses he'd unleashed… He hadn't dueled that fiercely in years, and it hadn't been good enough. Not nearly good enough.
He looked around him at the fallen Weasleys. Ron was waiting for a particularly nasty itching curse to wear off, his face distraught as he viciously scratched at his legs, drawing blood, even as he stared at the spot where seconds ago Harry had been. Fred and George both appeared to have been hit by another stupify. Ginny sat stunned with George's head in her lap. George had partially fallen down the stairs when he'd been hit, and now lay at an odd angle, his leg dangling in a way legs weren't meant to go, Fred slumped at his side.
Hermione was curled up in a ball, crying into her knees, her argyle socks a stark reminder to Remus that these were *children* that the Ministry had just targeted. Children. Remus stood and slowly made his way to the door. He looked outside. No one was there. Of course. They have what they came for. He looked at his wand again, and repressed the urge to throw his wand in frustration.
Sirius… Remus' thoughts kept spiraling in confusion. I have to get to Sirius. They had to find Pettigrew. It's the only way to prove Harry's story. For he *knew* Harry would be given Veritaserum. He could hear it in the Aurors' voices. They know what Fudge intends to do… And they don't care that it's a horribly sick, fifteen year old abused orphan boy they intend to do it to.
Get Sirius. Find Peter. Save Harry. Those were all Remus seemed able to concentrate on. In truth, all he wanted to do was let loose a scream of anguish from the bottom of his soul. Not Harry. Not like this. He turned to face the Weasleys in the room.
"Thank you, Arthur. I know you did all you could. I'll send Madam Pomfrey immediately," Remus said. It's happening again. All the joy that came into his life was being ripped away. Arthur nodded distractedly, gently setting Molly back down as he went from child to child, checking on their injuries and determining who needed his help first.
Remus began to walk just beyond the Burrow wards so that he too could Apparate. One image kept swirling in his mind. It was of the handkerchief peeking out of Harry's pajamas as Barney had picked him up. Remus *knew* that that must have been the portkey, and that Harry had had it all along. If I'd only known… Of course he'd still have it near. Just in case. Remus walked slowly, trying to jostle his ribs as little as possible, feeling old and lost. And now he would have to face Sirius.
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"NO!" Sirius screamed as he hurled himself against the walls of the Shrieking Shack. I fell for it. I can't believe I actually fell for it. He'd *never* have caught it if it had been anything but a wand. But he'd thought… I thought Arthur had a spare wand. He'd caught the damn thing, and now he was here and Harry wasn't. *Why* did I think that? Who has a spare wand up their sleeve?! His throat felt raw from his screams, but Sirius couldn't seem to stop. The grief he felt… He *knew* what would happen next.
Harry is in the system. He's not here, so they must have captured him. Once he was in the system, there was no going back. It was as inevitable as an avalanche, as devastating as a tidal wave. Slow and steady wins the race, Sirius thought wildly, and nearly laughed maniacally. The Ministry lives by that motto. He knew he continued to cry out, but as he ran out of energy to try to escape all the magically sealed doors, he slid to the ground, broken, until only whimpers remained. His shoulders and ribs hurt from where he'd thrown himself against the door, but he didn't care. He wished he hurt worse, because inside he felt like he was dying, like the world had come to a screeching end and Voldemort won.
No. No. No. Not Harry. They can't do this to Harry, Sirius thought over and over. I've lost him. I slept in, and poked my head out like a fool, and caught the bloody wand… and now they have Harry. I've failed them. I've failed James and Lily. I've failed Harry. I've failed everyone.
Hands on Sirius' shoulders startled him as his head shot up and he looked into Moony's eyes. It was *his* plan… He could see the guilt and pain in his friend's eyes and knew.
"How could you?!" Sirius screamed, throwing Remus' hands away from him. He stood up and stepped away from Remus like a drunkard, barely able to keep his footing.
"Harry had a portkey, too, Sirius. He had a portkey and was supposed to use it. I was supposed to take care of you, but Harry was supposed to be here, too!" Remus said, his face imploring for understanding. Sirius fell to his knees.
"Sirius, I swear to Merlin Harry was supposed to be here too. He was *never* supposed to go to the Ministry," Remus begged, falling to his knees himself. He sat before Sirius, his breath coming in odd whistles, his eyes hollow looking. Sirius' thoughts tightened in on themselves until nothing else remained. Too much loss. It's too much. The waves of loss and pain that Sirius had felt for years at the hand of the Dementors washed over him as once again he felt himself falling into despair. I've lost Harry, and now *they* have him. Harry won't survive more than a couple of weeks at the most. Sirius clearly remembered Remus' previous descriptions of Harry's response to Dementors. I've failed. "Sirius!"
"Sirius!" I've lost Harry, and now they'll give him Veritaserum. Why did he go? Why wouldn't Harry use the portkey? *Of course.* "Sirius!" Harry hopes to reveal the truth about Voldemort and Pettigrew. He wants to prove *my* innocence. My fault. This is my fault again. I failed to protect Harry from Voldemort during the Triwizard Tournament, and now Voldemort is back. I should have never allowed Harry to stay at the Burrow, where the Ministry *knew* where he was.
"SIRIUS!" Remus screamed, and the sting of the slap snapped Sirius back to the present, where he most definitely didn't want to be.
"I can't do it. I can't bear it if Harry dies…" Sirius said, still unable to completely focus on his friend's face. Remus cupped his hand underneath Sirius' chin and forced him to look up. Dumbledore stood behind him, Sirius realized in surprise. When had he arrived? Dumbledore's eyes were shadowed and grave. He handed Remus a cup of something.
"Give it to him. It'll help. We've got some time…" Dumbledore said, his voice soothing, but Sirius barely registered the words. He didn't care. It's over.
"Here," Remus said, and pressed the cup to Sirius' lips. "Come on. We still have time…" Remus muttered reassuringly, but Sirius knew better.
"We can still save him," Remus murmured, tipping the cup the potion, for it must be potion, down Sirius' chin. But Sirius knew Remus was trying to convince himself as much as Sirius.
He'd failed. Twelve years of reliving his failures certainly made him qualified to identify when he'd done it again. Sirius drank automatically from the preferred cup, quickly regretting it as he did so. Peace washed over him and sleep began to overwhelm his senses as he slid into his friend's waiting arms. Sirius didn't want to sleep. I want to die.
TBC….
Colleen: There's a part in the movie As Good As It Gets where Helen Hunt tells Jack Nicholson that that is the best compliment she's ever received. Well… Ditto! I cannot tell you how much it means to hear people actually read my fic and tell me they think I've got a future as a writer. I absolutely promise to let you know what my pen name will be, and I just want to say again how much your compliment meant. I've been grinning like a fool for days. Thank you again.
Sou: My life is so much more complete now that I post in HTML. Thank you so much for the terrific tip. And ahem yes, I'm rather embarrassed to admit I never thought to even try it before. blushes
Tanya: Yes, now that I can upload properly, my elipses finally show. Believe me, I've been using them all along mumble mumble mumble… darn obvious I should have saved stuff as html mumble mumble mumble. I think your analogy of Snape and Harry's relationship is very significant. I agree. Snape is someone who doesn't necessarily care about spared feelings or niceties. When he asks a question, because he's not vested in the answer, it demands a candor that with anyone else Harry wouldn't use (except perhaps Dumbledore). You'll see more soon about what else they have in common g. I agree. Ron and Hermione are much more significant to Harry than just moral support. I'm glad they're empowered now, too. Hmmm. No. Not yet. They don't. Me too! Actually, she returns the 17th, and I already have some chapters in the queue for her to proof. 8-) Thanks for the great review!
Lothey: Hmmm. Still haven't decided. I don't think so at this point, although it does have merits. As you can see, the plot's really beginning to roll now. I can't say any more… g
WeasleyTwinsLover1112, Phoenix, FirePixie28, AllAboutMe, Sherylyn, RoseFairy, Von (you'll see…), witchchild, Dakr Luna Anger, darkphoenix (as in the X-Men? g), lothey, -_-, sk8reagle, Centra-gal86 (bwah hah hah hah), Tempest Princess, kapies (Nobody ever expects the Spanish Inquisition g), Adzi, Kate the Great, ratgirl (more Harry coming soon… lots of him), Moonywolf, Hyper Princess, Doom Song, Rozebunny (thanks for putting me on your Favorites list!), Endriago Luna, cierra (hmmm… You'll see): Thanks to everyone who's reviewed!!! I hugely appreciate all the kind words and hope you continue to enjoy the story! Much more to happen soon!!! 8-)
Starlette Whisper: Supreme genius? giggle Okay. That's a cool compliment. Who knew Percy would play such a big part in my story? Certainly not me. He is a bit pushy, though, isn't he? 8-)
Chaucer: Yep, it's from the master of horror himself. Poor Andy. What a terrific character. Thank you blushes. So consider your ego boosted. You are so right! Thanks for the kind review, and the kind compliment!
Kranberries: I agree that a little humor is important, but keep in mind this bad boy fic of mine is drama/angst, so… Hang in there. I'll sprinkle where I can!!!
Potter-Pikachu: Wow. Thank you so much for the kind review! I must say I think it's the best thing I ever did, deciding to post something for others to read. I had no idea how much the positive feedback would help boost my writing confidence. Thanks again.
SpiderGirl05: Just save your word doc as .html and upload. All the fancy stuff stays. Thanks again Sou! Thanks for reviewing.
amysalinsky2000: I agree that it's cruel to question Harry at this point. Of course, I thought it was awful what Rita Skeeter did to him in the Daily Prophet as well, and the kind of risks they took with the Triwizard Tournament and the students. And don't even get me started with how they discriminate against werewolves and what they did to poor Sirius! There may be magic in the HP world, but it's by no means a perfect place by any stretch of the imagination.
Kaydee: Good point. True. It would depend on a person's definition of bad. Bad for them could be when mum and dad painted their room pink. But as long as it's traumatizing for them, that's all that matters. Percy has come to play an important part in my story, and it's far more of a part than I ever anticipated. I just realized that his character, by doing bad things but all the while thinking he's doing the right thing, will have quite a day of reckoning once he realizes how wrong he is. It makes him more of a growth character, which I like and have found I want to show. It also deeply affects the Weasley family dynamic, which I hope I'll be able to convey. The sense of family the Weasleys have is an imporant part of the HP world, and essential for Harry. I absolutely agree that with Snape it's all about dignity… and control. Both are an integral part of his character, and why he relishes his barb wit as much as he does. With it, he is in complete control of people's responses to him. I've used a phrase for many years, thought, that I absolutely adore, and certainly sums up things nicely (don't know where it came from: The road to Hell is paved with good intentions). Thanks again for your favorite quotes. It's nice to read. 8-) Lots more to come!