Here's the next chapter. Sorry for the wait.
CHAPTER V: Harry Potter and the Platform of Doom
While Professor McGonagall had not achieved her objectives of either scratching Padfoot or getting Sirius to relent about Hogwarts, her visit did have one extraordinary effect on Harry: he was doing his long avoided transfiguration homework in a guilty frenzy.
Never mind that Harry was still not allowed to go to Hogwarts, this was Professor McGonagall after all.
"Ah, this brings back memories."
Harry looked up from his essay to see his godfather leaning, arms crossed, against the doorway to his room. "Here it is a beautiful morning and the Scourge of Gryffindor, Sourface McGonagall, has scared even a non-Hogwarts student indoors and towards homework. Terrible," Sirius said, shaking his head. "Truly terrible."
"You said yourself my animal transfiguration needs work," Harry said turning back to his essay with a sigh.
"Yes, but that is practical. This, this theory stuff," Sirius said waving his hand dismissively as he came to peer over Harry's shoulder "You're years past this stuff."
"But the book said that understanding the steps in between a transformation are key."
"Maybe for other wizards," Sirius clarified as he flipped through Harry's transfiguration book, smiling slightly at his and the Marauders' handwritten notes that littered the margins. "But you understand it better the less you think about it, not more. Instinct, Harry, instinct." He looked at the pile of books arranged neatly along Harry's desk and scowled seeing the huge block of space taken up by Gilderoy Lockhart's books. Ginny in the end had refused to take them and Harry had been stuck with the lot.
Eyes narrowing, Sirius reached out and grabbed the lot of them and sat down on the edge of Harry's bed before the fireplace. With a wave of his wand a fire sprang to life.
"Now, let's investigate," Padfoot said slyly, motioning for Harry to join him on the bed. "Let's see if there is anything worth keeping these odes to the greater glory of Gilderoy Lockhart about the place," he said as Harry scrambled up to sit beside his godfather.
Harry stared at the fire, a bit apprehensively. It was way too warm to be necessary.
"Travels with Trolls. Let's see what is inside this wonderful page turner!" Sirius said with a wide, scary smile plastered on his face as he picked up the first book in the pile between Harry and himself. The Marauder paged through the book for a moment before stopping and clearing his throat dramatically as he began to read.
"Dear Travel Diary. I got up today. I look marvelous!" Here, much to Harry's amusement, Sirius tossed his head. "Trolls don't even have the most bare of facilities let alone a decent bathroom so I promptly abandoned my traveling companions in a nearby marsh while I found a decent hotel."
With a bang, Sirius snapped the book closed and tossed it into the fire. Any laughter was suddenly extinguished: Harry stared agog at the burning image of Lockhart trying to beat back the flames with his hat. Did-did Sirius just burn a book? Sirius, who's room doubled as Moor House's fourth library, actually BURN a BOOK?
With nary a thought to the charring volume, Sirius picked up the next book flipping open to a page at random.
"While voyaging with vampires, I developed a horrible case of nausea. Of course it could in no way be caused by sudden blood loss. I know about these things. Not to worry though. In my amazing wardrobe I have a outfit for every shade and color scheme, even sick."
Into the fire it went and another book was grabbed.
"While I was enjoying my year with yetis I accidentally tripped over my huge head. Not only did I spoil my lovely lilac snow robes, I triggered an avalanche, which buried me and my huge head alive. There I suffered and froze in agony until I died. The end. And, oh look," Sirius said with false joy. "Wandering with Werewolves."
Making a great show of opening the book, Sirius pretended to read intently. "In my colossal ignorance and self-importance I didn't wander with any werewolves because I'm too stupid to realize that werewolves are in no way migratory. Rubbish." The book was kindling. "Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish. It's all complete and total rubbish." With that all the rest of Lockhart's library, ending with Magical Me was committed to the fire.
Biting his lip, Harry inched closer to his godfather. "Did Moony's editor firecall back?" he asked tentively.
The Animagus sighed heavily. "We must do something, Harry Hawk," he confided. "He's been working on that book since--since forever. It just has to be published. It means the world to him."
Harry shook his head sadly. "Nothing will happen until Lockhart is off the best seller list."
A fierce light suddenly caught aglow in Black's ice blue eyes. "Get Lockhart off the best seller list," he repeated slowly. "Get Lockhart off the best seller list," he said again, turning to Harry. "That's it! Brilliant, Harry!" He squeezed Harry once and then jumped up.
"We must do something to discredit Lockhart. Perhaps spread some unpleasant rumors?" Sirius wondered aloud as he began to pace. "Infer he's left a string of unsupported children behind from his housewitches fans? Whisper that his lifestyle is nothing but a sham, that he lives on borrowed money? Perhaps catch him in tryst with the Minister's wife? No, no that would be slander. What we need," the Marauder tapped his finger against his lips, "what we need is even more devastating, something he can't escape from: The Truth. Hmmm."
"What truth?" Harry asked, watching his godfather vacillate around the room.
"The truth about Gilderoy Lockhart," Sirius said. "You've seen him. What's your opinion on the man? Does he seem a bit too . . unnatural? A bit to contrived? Perhaps," Sirius said slowly, "perhaps we should not deviate from the tried and trued methods set down by the illustrious Padfoot, Prongs, and Moony. Perhaps," he stared at Harry's unblinking gaze, "we can entrust the new generation of Marauder's with a most sacred task."
The dark haired boy sat up straighter. "What can I do, Mister Padfoot?" Harry asked eagerly.
Sirius clasped his hands behind his back and raised his chin. "Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to infiltrate Hogwarts and find some dirt on Gilderoy Lockhart. He's got to have some. Anyone who dresses like that and dares to write drivel like this," he said motioning towards the fire with disgust "must be hiding something. Find out his weaknesses, his secrets, his embarrassments and humiliations, and then report back to me for further pranking and blackmail instructions. Can. You. Do. It?"
Harry stood at attention on top of his bed and saluted. "Mister Talons is ready and willing, Mister Padfoot."
"Now you understand that this must be kept completely and absolutely secret from Mister Moony?" Sirius said.
"We aren't going to tell him?" Harry queried in surprise. "But Moony would--"
"Now, Harry," Sirius said with exasperation, "You know Moony, he's so-so . . . modest. He doesn't press things even when he really should. He doesn't speak up for things that he honestly deserves. I know these things," the Marauder said earnestly. "If it's worth fighting for, we must do it for him! And as for keeping secrets, well it's not really a secret is it?"
The boy's brow furrowed in consternation. "It's not? But I thought you just said that--"
"Forget about what I said," Sirius said authoritatively. "This is not so much a secret as a--as a . . . birthday or Christmas surprise. That's what it is, Moony's Christmas surprise." He smiled, warming to the idea. "You get the deep dark truth out of Lockhart, his popularity plummets, and Moony's book sells a million copies. It's the perfect plan. Just think of how happy this will make him."
"It would be even better than the chocolate I got him last year," Harry agreed slowly, smile growing as he thought of the werewolf at his own book signing. Maybe it was worth keeping a secret, just this once.
"Exactly," Sirius said, beaming. "So, to review. You will go back to Hogwarts to spy on Lockhart, remembering to be ABSOLUTELY CAREFUL." The black haired wizard demanded, leaning forward till he was nose to nose with his godson. "Stay out of trouble and TELL ME if an ANYTHING Voldemort related occurs. Can you do it, Mister Talons?"
Harry nodded vigorously. "Yes, Padfoot. I'd better finish my homework though," Harry said with a sigh. He hopped down off the bed and made his way back to his desk when suddenly he remembered something. "I'll need another set of defense books if I go back to Hogwarts."
Sirius snorted. "No you don't. There is nothing of value in those," he said, motioning to the dying fire. "Besides, I refuse to spend a single tin knut on that bunch of ego stroking tripe. I very much doubt you'll learn anything from that fool," Sirius muttered as he extinguished the embers of Lockhart's literary works. "Just take Moony's draft of his book and use that. Think of all the free advertising it will be for when it is published. Let me know if you need any help with the essay."
"I will," Harry said and Sirius left the room. Sitting at his desk, Harry pushed aside his transfiguration essay and began writing on a fresh sheet of parchment.
Dear Ron . . .
Remus couldn't write.
He dropped his quill in disgust. He couldn't write. His nearly finished book sat before him but he could not find the energy to edit his work a 19th time.
He wasn't sure why he couldn't write. Maybe it was his editor's carefully worded firecall of refusal and delay. Maybe it was the impending full moon. Maybe it was Sirius' stubborn refusal to allow Harry to go to Hogwarts. Maybe it was Harry's sweet but worrisome tendency to want to hide away the rest of his life at Moor House. Or perhaps it was his impending firecall to Snape and what Sirius would say or do if he ever found out.
Probably it's just that bastard Lockhart's fame, Lupin thought ruefully as he rubbed at the stiff pain in his shoulders.
He stared down at his draft book for a long moment. If there was one thing being a wolf once a month taught him was that sometimes you had to give up on things that were hopeless. Slowly he pulled out his bottom desk drawer. Carefully gathering up his manuscript and notes he placed them carefully away and slid the drawer shut.
Enough was enough. Time to focus on other matters. The werewolf could hear Harry was already up; Sirius was no doubt still slumbering like the dead upstairs. Grabbing his dirty dishes, Remus went to talk to his honorary godson. If he played it right, he would have what he needed to get an upper hand on Snape and keep Sirius and Harry in the dark about the testing.
"Good morning," Harry said from where he knelt on the countertop, taking down china for his breakfast.
"Morning, Harry," Remus greeted. "Full moon tonight," he commented as calmly as he could.
Harry turned worried green eyes on his guardian. "Is something wrong? Are you worried? Padfoot and I will be there. Well," Harry amended "I'm not much help as a bird, but if you want I'll come down into the basement--"
"No-no," Remus said, stopping the anxious flow of words. "I've just been doing some research on some new potions for werewolves."
"New potions?" the boy asked eagerly, hopping down off the counter. "I didn't hear about any new potion."
Of course, Harry who hates potions would keep up to date in werewolf research on my behalf, Lupin thought in exasperation. This is not going to be so easy after all. "Yes, well . . . it is still in testing but I want to help, to do my part to develop it. For that I need your help."
"My help?" Harry echoed, before smiling broadly. "Of course I'll help, Moony. What do you need me to do?"
Remus sat down and pulled out a chair at the table for Harry to sit beside him. "Tonight instead of being the basement, I want to be outside under the moon. I want you to take some of my fur for me."
"You want me to cut your fur off?" Harry asked incredulously. "The potion people want your fur? Are you sure this is for research and not for something else?" he said, eyes narrowing suspiciously, wondering if someone was trying to hurt or take advantage of his guardian.
"Professor Snape is in charge of the research," Lupin finally admitted, deciding he needed a co-conspirator in this and Harry was the best he had on hand. "The fur is something I can use to make sure things go . . . more smoothly," he explained
Remus never knew Harry's eyes could get so big.
"This is a secret from Padfoot, isn't it?" Harry said wearily.
"Not so much a secret," Remus said hurriedly. "But a surprise. If this works, I'll still be me when I transform, like-like an Animagus transformation. I'll still be Remus."
"But you are Remus always, fur or no fur," Harry protested.
The werewolf couldn't help but hug the boy to him. "And you believing that means the world to me, but this is very, very important to me, to try."
Harry pulled back and stared into those grey eyes. "I'll help," Harry said. "But are you sure you don't want to let Padfoot know?"
"Not until afterwards, until it is successful. It can be a surprise," Lupin added happily, watching Harry carefully.
"Like Christmas?" Harry asked in exasperation, knowing exactly where this was going.
"Exactly like Christmas!" Remus exclaimed, very happy Harry understood. "So tonight?"
"Tonight," Harry nodded. The black haired boy watched his guardian deposit his dirty dishes and leave the kitchen before he sank down in his seat with a sigh. There was one thing he knew for certain: Christmas was going to be veeery interesting this year.
September 2nd.
The train to Hogwarts left today and Remus woke to Sirius floating Harry's trunk past his room, downstairs.
Lupin sat up stiffly.
"Go on, lie back down," Sirius scolded as he caught sight of his friend sitting up. "You're still exhausted from the full moon. You slept straight through yesterday into today."
"That's Harry's trunk," Remus managed to croak.
The Animagus rolled his eyes. "Of course it is. He's going to Hogwarts today."
"He is?" Remus futily places his hand against this forehead. Was he feverish, dreaming? Was he hallucinating?
"You're letting Harry go?" Remus managed to ask incredulously.
"Of course I am. It's Hogwarts. Harry loves Hogwarts," Sirius said cheerfully. "I'll bring you up breakfast and maybe you'll feel up to coming with us to the station. Don't move. You've had a rough moon, I swear you must have torn your fur out or something. You're hair's a right mess."
"I'm dreaming," Remus murmured as he laid back down. "Sirius is being reasonable, Harry's going to Hogwarts."
There was a light tapping on the door. Lupin raised his head wearily. Harry smiled at him from the doorway, tray in hand, teapot and cups floating behind.
"Hungry?"
"I had the strangest dream," Remus said aloud. "I dreamt Sirius was letting you go to Hogwarts."
The pillows behind the werewolf's head rearranged themselves so that he could sit up with ease. Reaching out, Lupin helped Harry with arranging the tray over his lap. "I am going to Hogwarts; you're not dreaming," Harry reassured him. "I made your favorites," he announced pointing to the plate. "I even brought the Nutella for your toast."
Remus couldn't help but reach out and steal a taste of the chocolate hazelnut spread. Mmmm, chocolate. Maybe this wasn't a dream. Chocolate always tasted better in real life.
"You don't have to come to the station, Moony," Harry said as he watched his guardian eat. "Padfoot and me can take care of everything."
Remus snorted into his tea. "Oh, no. I'm coming. I'm making sure this is really happening and Sirius just hasn't been subjected to Imperius." With a careful hand, Remus touched the top of his head. "How did the, er . . . the fur?"
"Er . . ." Harry turned an interesting shade of pink. "I did my best, but you didn't like it much. And I had to wait until Padfoot was busy chasing something and then I had to hurry so . . ."
"How bad is it?" Remus asked with a long-suffering sigh.
"You've got a bald patch in the back," Harry admitted in a whisper, eyes firmly focused on his clasped hands.
"Oh is that all?" Lupin asked, clasping Harry's shoulder. "Don't worry about it so. I suppose I'll just have to dig out my hooded cloak or my wizard hat, but it is worth it," Remus assured him. "Where did you put the fur by the way?"
"I wrapped it in some brown paper and put it in the bottom drawer of your desk," Harry told him. And I noticed you'd shut away your book as if you'd buried it so I took your draft to use at school, Harry added to himself silently and sadly thinking about how awful it was that it may never be published.
"Good," Remus said, relaxing back against the pillows. "Good, thank you." Catching a glance at the clock, the werewolf shooed Harry off the bed and set aside the tray. "Now go and get ready and leave me to dress. We've got to hurry or we'll miss the train."
"Why did you insist we do this the muggle way?" Remus groaned as he hurried to keep up, dodging passengers exiting and entering trains at Kings Cross. "I would have even agreed to that motorbike of yours or apparating like last year, but to run through the--"
"Harry wanted to see what it was like to go through the barrier from the Muggle side," Sirius cut him off in a curt whisper as he guided Harry and Hedwig before him, the trolley being dragged behind. "You should have stayed in bed and rested, Moony. Honestly, I can get Harry on the train myself."
"I didn't trust you to do it," Remus muttered back, excusing himself to a lady who nearly toppled over when he'd accidentally bumped into her.
"Didn't trust me? Didn't trust me?" Sirius demanded. "What the hell does that mean?"
"Is that it?" Harry called back over his shoulder at his guardians. "Is that where we have to go?" he indicated with his free hand at the wall between Platforms 9 and 10, the other holding onto Hedwig's travel cage.
"Exactly!" Sirius said beaming. "We'll all go together."
"Padfoot," Remus said urgently, "Too many of us going in at once and the Muggles will notice."
Sirius looked down at Harry, who was absently reaching in to pet Hedwig as he stared cautiously at the muggles wandering about the station. "Remember what happened with the floo?" Sirius hissed back. "Moony, you can go first with the trolley, get away from all of this, and Harry and I will follow together. All right, Harry?"
"Okay," Harry said in response as he watched Moony once again go first and vanish before his eyes.
"Just take a bit of a running start," Sirius advised, gripping Harry's shoulder tight, refusing to let go for an instant. "Ready?"
The green eyed boy nodded and together he and his godfather dashed towards the stone wall.
With a crash, Harry rebounded from the wall and fell back to the cement ground. Hedwig squawked fluttering her wings anxiously as her cage toppled as well.
"Here! What do you think you're doing?"
Blinking, trying to catch his breath Harry propped himself up gingerly on his elbows and stared up at the towering conductor. He looked frantically about for Sirius.
He wasn't there.
"Well?!" demanded the irate muggle.
"I-I--"
"Running into walls! This is a train station not a playground!"
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't see where I was going." Scrambling to his feet, Harry grabbed HedwigÂ’s cage and backed away, ducking behind the divide between platforms nine and ten until the adult moved on. As soon as it was safe, Harry darted back around and pressed his hands against the stone divide. Moony go through here, had felt it. And Padfoot, Padfoot was holding onto him and was now gone, vanished through the wall. But now strangely it seemed . . . shut, closed off, blocked.
"Padfoot? Moony?" he called softly.
There was nothing.
He couldn't get though.
It was also entirely possible than no one could get back.
Holding Hedwig's cage in his arms he peered around worriedly. He had no money, Moony had taken his trunk on the trolley, and the apparation platform was so clogged with one way traffic and on such a tight schedule to prevent splinching that there was no way that his guardians could apparate back from the 9 3/4 platform right in front of Muggles.
The chimes of the nearby clock sounded eleven.
He'd missed the train.
What was he to do? It might take hours until Sirius and Moony could get to him and by then he'd have missed the Welcoming Feast. And Padfoot would be so worried perhaps he's just take Harry straight home and Moony's book would never be published!
Harry began to walk back along the Kings Cross platform looking through the sea of adults trying to think of what to do now. Hedwig hooted softly in his arms picking up on her boy's distress, breaking his despondent thoughts.
Hurrying over to an abandoned bench, Harry set down the cage on the seat and crouched down in front of it, meeting his snowy owls' eyes. "Hedwig," he said softly. "Do you-do you think you could show me the way to Hogwarts?"
His familiar chirped her acknowledgment.
"We'd have to leave the cage behind," he warned her, unlatching the door.
She puffed up demonstrating her unconcern for the dreaded cage. If she had her way it would be the Owlry, a nice tree, or her boy's room for her, not some metal monstrosity that kept her from stretching her wings.
Glancing around anxiously, ensuring that no grown up was paying too much attention to one small boy and his slightly unique pet, he let Hedwig perch on his arm.
"Hogwarts, all right?"
Hooting her agreement she took flight, wheeling in ever-larger circles. Before she had risen too high she was joined by a beautiful bird of prey with brown and black markings. Flying wing tip to wingtip they rose higher and higher into the air heading north leaving behind the empty cage, door unlatched.
"Where's Harry?" Remus demanded from where he leaned tiredly against the trolley. "I thought you were coming together?"
"I-I had him, I had my hand on him the whole time!" Sirius cried. "Wait a minute! I'll just go back and get him." Trying to run back through to the other side of the station, however, left him scraped bloody for his troubles.
Remus tapped his wand on the gateway tentatively before stepping back in. "It-it's blocked," he whispered. "Oh gods, not again. That damned house elf."
"I should have strangled him when I had the chance." Sirius drew his wand, a fierce glow in his eyes that spoke of impending property damage. "What if we--"
Remus elbowed him firmly in the ribs. "The Weasleys!"
"What?" Sirius whirled around and caught sight of the whole red headed bunch, Ron hurrying towards them.
"Hi Sirius, Remus! Where's Harry?" Ron asked looking about the crowded platform for his best friend.
"He's coming," Sirius assured him desperately, staring expectantly at the gateway. Oh gods, please come through, Harry. There was a long moment of just staring as Harry did not appear. Ron looked up, scowling.
"Is this some sort of joke? Pretend Harry's coming to Hogwarts when you've got him back at Moor House?"
"Er. . ." Just when the two Marauders thought it could not get any worse, the Grangers caught sight of the group.
"Hallo Ron," Hermione greeted cheerfully as she ran over to meet him. "Where's Harry?"
"He's not coming," Ron said tersely.
"What?! Bu-but I got a letter from Harry! He said he was coming this year! Why isn't he coming!?"
"It's blocked," Moony stated bluntly.
"What's blocked?" Ron demanded. "Where's Harry?"
Hermione was a bit quicker in figuring it out. "Harry can't get through the barrier?" Hermione said, aghast. "You left him behind?"
"I was holding onto him tightly when we ran through. Now no one can get back!" Sirius explained hotly.
"Blocked?" Ron echoed in disbelief. "The barrier's blocked and Harry's on the other side?"
"It's either blocked and he's back in the muggle station or . . ." Remus trailed off. "He's trapped inside."
"What? He can't be trapped!" Hermione said, pushing himself forward. "The gate to Platform 9 3/4 has never been closed since the height of the Grindewald war!"
"Is-is he dead?" Ron squeaked.
"No!" The remaining Marauders yelled before turning their wands and attention to the gateway. "We'd know," Sirius muttered.
"What is going on?" Mrs. Weasley came over, Ginny trailing behind. "Why aren't you on the train? Where's Harry?" she demanded.
"He's on the other side of the gateway," Ron said mournfully. "or-or trapped between."
"What?!"
The clock above them chimed warningly. It was just seconds till eleven.
"All aboard!" the conductor's voice rang out as the Hogwarts Express began to hiss with steam and smoke.
"Apparate back! Who cares about the muggles seeing you! You can obliviate them later. Go on, go on!" Molly shooed them towards the chaos apparation platform. "Ginny, Ron, Hermione, go get on the train."
Ron opened his mouth to protest but one look from his mother had him going reluctantly.
"Remus?" Sirius said.
"Right." The werewolf nodded, hurrying through the crowds to the apparation platform.
"I'll get Arthur," Molly announced wringing her hands. "He might know something or someone who might . . ." she trailed off and hurried off to find her husband.
Remus came running back, huffing and puffing. "No one can apparate in or out. The whole things blocked. It's total bedlam!"
"Harry? Sirius whispered, pressing against the blank wall. "Harry, please?"
"What shall we do?" Moony asked quietly. "We can't get back unless we get off this Platform."
Sirius turned and stared at the bright red engine.
They flew for hours, gliding at an altitude that barely needed the flapping of wings. While Harry's feathers were not as think as a full grown falcon, nor was his wingspan that impressive, his had the ability and stamina to keep up with the very experienced post owl that was Hedwig.
Every once and while through the patchy clouds Harry could spy below the train tracks of the Hogwarts Express heading inexorably north.
The sun began to set and Harry hoped that Sirius and Remus were all right. He hoped they weren't too worried; they knew he could take care of himself.
The Hogwarts Express cabin was not big enough for Sirius to pace so he jammed the door open and utilized the corridor along the length of the train car, warding off with a glare the traffic of dismayed children trying to reach the bathroom at the other end and even the trolly lady.
"He could be dead, he could be hurt, or-or kidnapped, maimed, tortured, in trouble!" Sirius raged.
Remus, sat across from a pale faced Ron and Hermione and wished he had stayed with the trapped parents back at the Platform, helping the Ministry sort things out again, removing the magical blocks and wards that had sprung up out of nowhere.
At least he'd be doing something!
"Do you really think Harry could be dead?" Ron whispered.
"The entrance to Platform 9 3/4 hasn't been blocked since the 1941 at the height of the Grindewald's attacks and the bombing of London. It is the most stable gateway between the wizard and Muggle world," Hermione informed him in a tight voice. "Harry's probably all right. Probably."
Sirius stormed back through the cabin and stopped, staring out of the window at the countryside whizzing by. Giving out a tremendous sigh of frustration he dug through his pockets and took out a handful of gold and bronze coins. "Both of you shouldn't worry," he told the children. "Go find the trolley lady and get some sweets. She is taking her bloody time getting here and sugar will help us think."
Hermione opened her mouth, no doubt to warn about the evils sugar had on teeth, but Ron was quicker. He grabbed the coins and the bushy haired girl and escaped from the two slightly crazed adults.
As soon as they had left, Lupin stood up beside his friend. "Harry's smart," Remus assured with a calm rationality he didn't really feel. "He'll know to stay put in King's Cross until we come for him."
"Surrounded by muggles?" Sirius hissed to his friend as he stared restlessly out of the train. "You know adult muggles still make him anxious. Look how he avoided the Grangers and they're perfectly nice people."
"Well if you didn't keep him cooped up in Moor House for years he might have gotten over that!" Moony yelled back.
"Me?" Sirius said incredulously. "Who agreed after that wretched muggle trial and getting Harry back that it wasn't helping his screaming night terrors to force him into situations where he wasn't comfortable?! Not to mention his uncontrollable outbursts of wild magic?!"
Remus sighed heavily and looked away. "We shouldn't be fighting about this. You're right, I'm right, and we've always done what was best for Harry."
"I'm not a bad godfather," Sirius said, sitting down and leaning against the window. "I'm not," he repeated, trying to convince more than just Remus with his words. "I missed so much of his childhood in Azkaban and I know you think I'm a bit . . . unhinged at times," he added ruefully, "but I hate to think of Jamie or Lily out there somewhere hating me, ashamed of me, or sorry they ever named me godfather."
"They don't regret it. They would see what a wonderful boy Harry is how you love and care for him and never be able to regret it."
The black haired Marauder snorted. "That's no thanks to me. That's wholly Harry's doing and maybe you," Sirius allowed grudgingly.
"Oh, thanks, Padfoot," Moony said, rolling his eyes as he eased back down on the seat. "But you have made some of the truly difficult but very wise parenting choices lately. You let Harry go back to Hogwarts' this year. That shows good sense."
"Er, yes, yes it does," the Animagus agreed hurriedly.
"Don't worry. We'll be at Hogwarts soon. We'll get off the train, away and outside all these wards," he said gesturing to the train, "and then we can find Harry and get him safely tucked away in his bed up in the Gryffindor dorm room before curfew."
Sirius bit his lip, eyes narrowing thoughtful. "In the dorms?" he repeated incredulously. "After some loony house elf locked down Platform 9 3/4 you expect me to leave my six year old godson at Hogwarts where he can get at him again?!"
Remus buried his face in his hands and wondered why he ever got out of bed this morning.
Stumbling slightly as he landed and transformed at the same time, Harry regained his footing and adjusted his glasses. He'd never flown for so long before or at such a distance. He stared up at the bright lights of Hogwarts castle, relieved he'd made it.
Hedwig alighted on his absently raised arm as Harry hurried up the steps to the huge front doors of the castle proper.
He had just managed to push the huge doors open when they were flung wide and Harry bumped straight into a familiar figure.
"Harry!"
The black haired boy found himself crushed against his godfather.
"Are you all right? We went back to the station and you weren't there! We searched muggle London for you! Dumbledore said you had arrived on Hogwarts ground! How did you get here? What happened?"
"Let him breathe, Sirius," Remus admonished.
Harry was released for bare moment before he found himself crushed to the wiry form of his second guardian.
"You're not hurt, are you, Harry? How on earth did you get here? Why didn't you wait for us? You-you didn't fly all the way here, did you?"
Hedwig fluttered madly around, squawking in annoyance at having her perch and her boy disturbed.
"Perhaps if we all calm down we can let Harry breathe and tell us what happened," Dumbledore put in soothingly.
"You heard the Headmaster," Sirius said untangling a rather blue Harry from his friend's grasp. "Don't squash him!" Sirius hissed as he hurriedly shepherded a slightly dizzy Harry into Hogwarts castle, both adult Marauders flanking Harry protectively.
"I flew here," Harry explained. "Hedwig showed me the way. I couldn't get through the Platform. I tried but I crashed into the wall. Couldn't you get back?"
"No,. We had to ride all the way up to the edge of Hogwarts and them get off and apparate back." Sirius jaw tightened as he tried to contain his anger. "Three guesses who's responsible and the first two don't count."
"Well, I made it here anyway," the boy said placatingly. "Have I missed the feast?" he asked head turning to Headmaster who was walking beside Remus.
"It's just finishing now," Dumbledore replied. "You can join your housemates after you've had dinner with your guardians and I. Not too healthy to miss meals at my age, and you, Harry, missed lunch unless you took the time to do some hunting?" he asked with amusement.
The avian Animagus shook his dark head. "No, we just flew straight here as fast as we could."
"Gods, you must be exhausted," Sirius muttered as the Headmaster spoke the password to his office and they ascended the spiral staircase wherein the smells of hot dinner already permeated.
Dinner eaten, the little group headed slowly through the corridors and up the staircases inexorably towards the Gryffindor tower.
"Padfoot?" Harry whispered, tugging on his godfather's cloak noticing that Moony was occupied speaking to the Headmaster. "Any orders about the surprise?"
Sirius wanted to scream "no!" to sweep his sweet, little godson up and take him home. He wanted to say bugger the plan and just hire a hit wizard to arrange for Lockhart's demise and discrediting and Moony's rise to literary and scholar fame.
But Moony wouldn't appreciate it. He was funny that way, really.
Sighing, the Marauder ruffled his godson's hair. "Watch. Wait. Report daily in that code I taught you. And if anything happens you let me know at once. No secrets this year, right?"
Harry wondered at the logic of such a statement, but decided he was too tired to figure it out now. "Right."
Sirius swallowed heavily as the moving staircase deposited them before the picture of the Fat Lady. "All right then, Harry lad, be safe."
Moony came up to stand beside the boy and smoothed his wild hair down with affection. "Have fun, Harry and don't forget to write."
"I won't forget," Harry assured him. "No fights with Voldemort this year."
"No fights," Sirius echoed, before hugging his godson tight. "You have the password?" he asked gesturing up at the Fat Lady who was primping herself surreptitiously at the sight of the handsome Sirius Black. At Harry's nod he pushed the boy gently forward, knowing that if he entered the Gryffindor tower with Harry he'd just change into dog form and sleep at the bottom of his bed this night and all following nights to protect him from helpful house elves. "Go onto bed now."
"G'night Padfoot. G'night Moony," Harry whispered as he vanished into the Gryffindor Tower.
To Be Continued (tcb)
Poor Harry. Instead of him keeping secrets from Padfoot and Moony, they are having Harry keep their secrets from each other. There is trouble on the horizon. I hope you enjoyed it and I would like to say for the record that I too was shocked, SHOCKED by Sirius burning books. Don't burn books. Books are our friends.
By the way, check out my favorite story list as there are some very cute Harry as a child stories being newly written!
athenakitty- Sirius won't be sending Lockhart Howlers, he has a much much more evil plan. mwhahahaha. Ron is somewhat familiar but he only spent a few days with them in "Hunting for Marbles" by neutral. As for seeing up the floo, I remember reading that when you travel by floo you could hear the sounds from the various fireplaces you pass and in fourth book Harry could hear the Weasley's in the floo when they tried to get to the Dursleys home. So by sticking his head up the chimney Remus was hoping to hear if Harry was on his way or stuck or something. Werewolf senses after all. I've got some leeway in second year, things will be different: neutral and I have both had ideas about things like the Diary and the Basilisk etc. I hope you keep reading and enjoy.
Abbika-Rose-Writers- Thank you for the wonderful detailed review, I love them, they make me sooo happy. Ahem, as to your questions/comments. I understand Sirius' desire to sue everyone, it is a good desire, better than vigilante justice as Remus would no doubt say. I'm glad the insult peacock is still good; I was worried I used it too many times. :) And I am amazed how many people love the last scene with Harry and the creme, I wasn't sure it worked. Harry as an innocent is fun to write, so many authors have fun with dark jaded all knowledgeable Harry, but neutral's creation of a world where Harry is just a six year old boy! (to quote a certain Marauder) is unique and precious and oh so fun to write. Neutral is still alive, busy with real life like so many of us; she has not abandoned us! As for Sirius' job, we still don't know and won't know until third year. mwhahahaha!
Insane Pineapple from Naboo- Demon Kiwi? What next, Sociopath Banana, Paranoid Plums from Pluto? grin Anyway, those are cool names. Harry's Animagus form is something of a bird of prey/falcon (see the first chapter of "Clawtracks" for more info) But you have to admit Harry Hawk was just tooo cute a nickname to pass up even if Harry isn't a hawk. I too have read Harry as all sorts of animals; most authors do a really good job of it too. Thanks for the long review
kool- More father/son scenes? Don't worry, with Lockhart on the prowl, a Chamber of Secrets opening and a Bludger attacking Harry you can bet overprotective Sirius is going to have some bonding moments with Harry. I too loves those father/son moments, though with Harry getting a bit older, naive and innocent or not, it is harder to write than when he was an adorable six year old.
Talamh- Your review totally made my terrible, horrible, no good day so much better. Thank you so much for such high praise.
sami1010220- I am very glad you found "Let Winterlight Come" so touching and "The Bitter Glass" so funny. I do intend to update more regularly now that my exams are done. I don't know how long this will be, but I guess at least ten chapters. Enjoy.
Jennifer Cole- Glad you like the sequels. Thanks.
skipastarseeker- I'm updating. See??? (looks around at the new chapter). And there will be more soon! Promise. Don't be an Eeyor, be a Tigger.
Pure Black- Harry is used to Professor McGonagall visiting his guardians and her scolding them for their childish behavior (as mentioned in "Clawtracks" and "Dueling Range" if I remember correctly.) As for Harry naivety it does get him into trouble with girls but it comes from Sirius and Remus overprotecting him. Don't worry though, Harry's got nerves of steel when necessary and while some things he will be innocent regarding (leading to hilarious mix-ups later in "Good Intentions") battle, friendship, fighting a war and surviving he is more than skilled at dealing with.
Rosie W- Second year is well under way, but don't worry you haven't missed much. I love "six year old Harry" too.
Salvia Tanima- More coming soon, I beg for your patience. Sirius is my fav too (Fifth book . . . cry). Thanks for the recommendation.
Review?