Truths
By Neurotica
Fourteen
The day was beautiful and sunny, the sky was a cloudless soft blue, the wind was still, and the temperature was perfect for flying. And that was exactly what Sirius Black and Harry Potter were doing on this marvelous midday.
Since Sirius had brought home three Nimbus 950s, he, Remus, and Harry had been flying every chance they came across. Though the past few weeks, the weather had not been cooperative; it had stormed for a week straight, then it had been too cold to fly. But today was perfect.
"Slow down a bit, Harry!" Sirius called to his godson.
After their first flying lesson with Harry, Sirius and Remus began to come to the conclusion that the five-year-old was more like his father than they had first noticed—Harry took to flying as a mermaid took to water.
Simply, Harry Potter was born to fly.
Regardless of this, Sirius placed a charm on Harry's broom to keep him from falling. It was a good thing, too; Harry liked to fly high and fast.
The look on his face while he was in the air, flying circles around the trees, was enough to send chills down Sirius' spine. He looked exactly like James when he flew: messy black hair in all directions, eyes shining brightly, and the look of pure happiness during a particularly spectacular dive. Sirius was proud as he watched his best friend's son do things most grown wizards could not. And this was just the beginning. With more practice on controlling his turns and dives, Harry was likely to be the best flier since James Potter himself—and that's saying something.
Sirius looked away from Harry for a moment when he heard his name being called from the ground. Remus was waving for them to come down, and he didn't look too happy. Actually, he reminded Sirius of the time James took Harry for a fly when the child was nine months old. Lily wasn't too happy that day, either.
With a smirk, Sirius called to Harry and told him that they would have to stop flying.
"Aw, Sirius! Do we have to?" Harry whined adorably as he flew to his godfather.
Sirius chuckled. "Yes, Harry, we have to. Otherwise, I think Remus might skin us alive... C'mon, down we go."
They began their descent slowly. Harry wasn't too good at this yet, and Sirius didn't feel like explaining a Harry Potter pancake to Dumbledore. A minute later, Sirius landed just in front of Remus. "Moony, old man! Come to fly with us?" he asked in a cheerful voice.
Remus looked with a raised eyebrow, hands still on his hips, at Harry. "You shouldn't have let him fly that high, Padfoot. What if he'd fallen?"
"You sound like Lily." Sirius grinned. "Do you really think I would let him fall?" He walked over to Harry, whose feet had just touched the ground. "Finite Incantatem," he muttered and helped Harry off the broom. "See, Moony, there was no chance he was going to fall. Was there, Harry?"
Harry grinned up at Remus. "Nope! That was fun! Can we go again?"
Remus chuckled. "Maybe later, Harry. Right now, why don't you two help me unpack all the groceries I bought in Diagon Alley?"
The three headed into the house, Sirius took his and Harry's brooms and put them into the hall closet, and went back into the kitchen to help Remus.
"So, Sirius," Remus said casually, "you're never going to guess who I saw in Diagon Alley just now."
"Who's that?" Sirius said distractedly, putting away a case of Butterbeer.
"Mundungus Fletcher," Remus replied.
"Dung?" Sirius asked with a grin. "How is that old crook?"
"He's well," Remus said with a nod. "Told me to tell you 'hello' for him. And he said something about running for Minister of Magic..."
"Dung's going to run for Minister? Are you should he didn't say he was going to run from the Minister?" Remus laughed. "That ought to be interesting..."
"Yes, I can see it now," Remus said dryly. "The Black Cauldron Market suddenly making its mainstream debut right in the middle of Diagon Alley. Chaos everywhere when Minister Dung announces firewhiskey as the cure for colds. Not to mention he'd probably use the Ministry to ship and receive stolen goods."
Sirius laughed. "Yeah, well, better that what they are using it for now." He stopped laughing and looked at Remus thoughtfully. "Why don't you run for Minister, Remus? I think you'd do a pretty damn good job."
It was Remus' turn to laugh. "Me? Run for Minister of Magic?" Sirius nodded eagerly. "I think you've been hit in the head with a bludger too many times." Sirius continued to stare at him. Remus sighed. "First of all, Sirius, I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in politics. Second of all, nobody would vote for a werewolf. Except maybe other werewolves," he added conversationally.
Just as Sirius had opened his mouth to retort, an eager voice came from the kitchen table. "I'll run for Minister of Magic!" Harry said.
Sirius and Remus laughed. "Will you now?" Remus asked, walking to the table to sit next to Harry.
"Yup," he replied simply, kicking his legs under the table happily.
Sirius smiled and shook his head. "That's all well and good, Harry, but if you became Minister of Magic now, you'd never get to go to Hogwarts."
"Really?" Harry questioned, terrified of the very thought of not getting to attend Hogwarts.
"Really," Sirius said, nodding gravely. "So what do you say we forget about your potential future political career until after graduation and see if Moony got us any chocolate?"
At that second, an owl flew through the open kitchen window and dropped a letter in the middle of the table. It left as quickly as it came.
Remus reached out to pick it up with raised eyebrows. No one ever sent him letters. He turned the letter over to find the familiar Hogwarts crest on the back. Remus smiled as he opened the letter and read it to himself.
"What's that about?" Sirius asked, sitting on the other side of Harry.
Remus cleared his throat and read aloud, "'Dear Remus, Sirius, and, of course, Harry, I do hope that I find the three of you well. I, myself, have been enjoying the magnificent weather at Hogwarts by assisting Hagrid to hunt down Cornish Pixies in the Forbidden Forest. They seem to have taken a liking to Hagrid's vegetable garden.' Dumbledore must be lacking in things to do if he's looking for pixies," Remus said.
"Nah, Dumbledore's just a very strange man," Sirius commented. "Continue, please."
Remus chuckled. "'I am sure you are curious to the reason of this letter. It is this: I wonder if the three of you would care to join Professor McGonagall and myself for dinner this evening to discuss a recent event. I shall say no more here. If you do not have any plans, and can attend, please arrive in the Great Hall by six o'clock. Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore'."
Sirius frowned in thought. "Recent event? What could that be?"
Remus shook his head and shrugged. "No idea. But it sounds ser—er—important." Remus and James had learned early on to avoid saying the word "serious" around Sirius Black—that joke got old very quickly.
"Mmm," Sirius said, sipping a Butterbeer. "Well, it's four o'clock now. I say we get ready and go. That way we can show Harry around the grounds a bit. How's that sound, Harry?"
"We get to go to Hogwarts?" Sirius nodded. "Wicked!"
Sirius and Remus grinned at Harry's more than obvious excitement. "Okay, then, go change into a pair of robes, and brush your teeth. No point in even trying with that hair," Sirius said.
Harry didn't need telling twice—he was off like lightning.
Remus chuckled. "You know, Sirius, I'm not really sure we were too bright telling Harry all those Hogwarts stories."
"Why?" Sirius said indignantly.
"Well, because you know the moment he sees Mrs. Norris, he's going to want to chuck a dungbomb at her."
Sirius let out a bark-like laugh. "I don't see a problem with that! We've taught him well, what can I say?"
Forty-five minutes later, once Sirius and Remus showered, they were ready to go. Sirius and Harry had wanted to Floo, but Remus convinced them that Apparating was a much better mode of transportation. "Your clothes don't get dirty when you Apparate," he'd said, using the first excuse that came to his mind.
So Sirius picked Harry up and Apparated just outside Hogwarts grounds. Remus arrived with a soft pop just after them.
"Whoa..." Harry said in amazement as he laid eyes on the Hogwarts castle for the first time.
"Wicked, huh?" Sirius asked with a grin.
"Yeah..."
Sirius put Harry back on the ground, and the child took a hand from each of his guardians as they walked through the gates. The winged boars watched them the entire time they walked.
"This place hasn't changed a bit! Whomping Willow's a tad bigger. Looks like it could still take your head off with one of the weaker branches, though," Sirius said to Remus. The werewolf looked at the tree and could see, far in the distance, the Shrieking Shack he'd occupied during full moon nights at Hogwarts.
A loud bark came from across the grounds, and for a fraction of a second, Remus thought Sirius had transformed. It was Fang the boarhound running to them joyfully across the dark green grass, Hagrid just behind him.
"Sirius! Remus! What're you two doin' 'ere?" Hagrid asked happily.
"Good to see you, Hagrid. We're here to see Dumbledore. Not supposed to be here until six, but we thought we'd show Harry around a little," Sirius said, scratching Fang behind the ears.
"'arry?" Hagrid questioned.
He looked down to the small boy standing between Sirius and Remus. Harry looked back, awestruck by Hagrid's size. Hagrid gasped. He knelt down to get a better look at Harry, though he was still taller than Remus. "'ello, Harry. Haven't seen you since you was a baby. Look like James, you do. But you got Lily's eyes..." He trailed off looking misty-eyed.
Remus decided it was best to change the subject before Hagrid became too emotional and tried to give Harry a hug. He'd had a Hagrid hug before, and he hadn't been able to touch his ribs for a week. He didn't want to imagine what it would do to Harry. "So, Hagrid, how are things going?" he asked.
Hagrid sniffed loudly and stood. "Ah, things're goin' well, Remus. I was jus goin' ter feed the squid. Wanna come along?"
Harry looked up at Sirius and Remus with wide excited eyes. "Can we see the squid? Can we?"
Sirius looked at Remus, amused. Remus shrugged, hiding a smile. "I don't see why not. Just as long as we're not in Hagrid's way."
"'Course yer not in the way! Come on, then!"
Hagrid led them to the edge of the lake. Harry watched in fascination as Hagrid called the giant squid to the surface. A long pink tentacle stretched out of the water. Harry touched it. "It's slimy," he declared with a giggle.
Sirius and Remus allowed Harry to play with the squid for a bit longer, said goodbye to Hagrid, and continued along the grounds.
They showed Harry the Quidditch pitch (recalling memorable games), the edge of the Forbidden Forest (Harry wanted to go in, but both Sirius and Remus told him "another time"), and the greenhouses (they told Harry about the time James had charmed a Mandrake to profess his undying love to Lily through the plant. He earned a week's detention from Sprout and a slap in the face from Lily for the little stunt, even though she later admitted it was a good bit of charm work on his part).
At last, it was time to head to the Great Hall. The Hogwarts corridors were empty; most of the professors had gone home for the summer holidays. The two Marauders told their junior Marauder where all the common rooms were, how to get into the kitchens, and the best way to get Madam Pomfrey to let you out of the hospital wing a day early ("Just turn on the charm," Sirius said. "Works every time.") in the time it took them to get to the hall.
The large golden doors were wide open when they entered. Harry looked all around until his eyes locked on to the charmed ceiling. Remus caught the look on Harry's face and chuckled. "Impressive, isn't it?" he said. He had had the exact look on his face the first time he walked into the Great Hall in first year.
"Uh huh," was the response. Harry was still staring upwards.
"Ah! And here are our guests now!" said a welcoming voice.
The staff table had disappeared. In its place was a large round wooden table set for five people.
"Professor Dumbledore, how are you, sir?" Remus asked, shaking the Headmaster's hand.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Remus, I've told you before: call me Albus." Remus laughed and nodded. "That goes for you as well, Sirius. The two of you are no longer students; no need to carry on such formalities."
Sirius grinned and shook Dumbledore's hand next. "Can I call you Albie?" the younger wizard asked.
Dumbledore looked sternly over his half-moon spectacles. "Only if you wish to discover the true uses of some of those spectacular objects in my study."
Sirius' eyes went wide with surprise, and a little fear, until he noticed Dumbledore's eyes give away his humor. He grinned again. "Maybe some other time, Albus."
Dumbledore sighed, but smiled. "Nobody ever takes that offer. No matter, it is always there if you change your mind." The headmaster looked down and spotted Harry. "And young Mr. Potter, how are you today?"
Harry smiled shyly. "Fine, sir. How are you?"
Dumbledore smiled widely. "Very well, Harry. Thank you for asking. Now let's have a seat and start what is sure to be a magnificent treat for our taste buds."
Sirius and Remus greeted and introduced Harry to McGonagall who had been staring at Harry since they had walked through the doors. They avoided another hugging episode, such as the one that took place with Sirius, but just barely. McGonagall had tears in her eyes as she shook the hand of Lily and James' son. But Dumbledore said loudly, "Pork chops!" as McGonagall moved closer to Harry.
Jumping in surprise, Remus turned to face Dumbledore. Pork chops and side dishes had just appeared on his golden plate. Dumbledore threw Remus a discreet wink as McGonagall took her seat, and he sat down across from the Headmaster. Remus grinned and said into his plate, "Steak and baked potato!" His order appeared instantly with a Butterbeer to drink.
McGonagall ordered salad and chicken, while Sirius had the same as Remus. Harry stared at amazement and confusion as everyone's food appeared. Sirius decided to help him out. "What would you like to eat, Harry?"
Harry thought for a moment, before saying, "Grilled cheese!" A second later, a grilled cheese sandwich (with extra gooey cheese) appeared with a pile of chips on the side.
As the five ate their meals, Sirius and Remus filled Dumbledore on the happenings of the last few weeks. Dumbledore was pleased to note the obvious happiness from both wizards, and Harry as well.
Once dinner and dessert had finished nearly an hour and a half later, they all walked together to Dumbledore's office. (Well, the adults walked; Harry had to be carried by Sirius—all the food he had eaten made him drowsy.)
Dumbledore spoke the password, "Licorice wands," and the stone gargoyle sprang open. They walked up the spiral staircase and into the office. Sirius laid Harry down on the sofa next to the Headmaster's desk where he fell asleep minutes later.
McGonagall conjured three chairs, and they all sat, waiting for Dumbledore to speak. He began immediately. "Thank you both for coming on such short notice this evening," he said, sitting in his chair. Remus and Sirius nodded. "The recent event I was speaking of in my letter today was a sighting of Peter Pettigrew." Dumbledore raised a hand out to Sirius before he began to speak. "Now, the reason I did not inform you of this when it happened was because I thought the two of you had enough to worry about when the sighting occurred." Dumbledore paused, preparing himself for their reactions. "Pettigrew was present at Number Four, Privet Drive just before you arrived to retrieve Harry. He was hiding in the bushes just in front of Harry when you went outside. He left just after you did."
Remus paled, and Sirius seemed to absorb his friend's lost color in his face. Both were angry.
Dumbledore continued. "A team of Aurors were sent to investigate, and there is no sign as to where Pettigrew may have gone. They believe he remained in his Animagus form the entire time he was in the neighborhood."
"How do you know it was him, sir?" Remus asked quietly.
"I have had wards in place since Harry began living with his aunt and uncle. The wards would alert me if a witch or wizard entered the neighborhood. That day the alarms here in my office sounded—alerting me that a wizard entered Privet Drive. I paid them no mind at the time; I believed it to be the two of you arriving at Arabella Figg's home, but a second alarm never came concerning a second wizard. The alarm that did sound, however, was one signaling a Death Eater's arrival. The wards were charmed to recognize the Dark Mark. Once the information came back to me, I was sure it was Pettigrew."
Sirius held onto the arms of his chair so tight his knuckles were turning white. "What the hell was he doing there?" he asked through gritted teeth, looking infuriated.
"Isn't it obvious?" Remus asked in a hoarse voice of realization. He was looking past Sirius.
Sirius followed his line of sight straight to Harry and felt his jaw drop. "Harry?" he asked perplexed. "What would Wormtail want with Harry?"
Dumbledore spoke again, all twinkling in his now dark blue eyes absent, no trace of a smile on the old wizard's face. "I have a few theories. Perhaps Pettigrew believes that by—finishing—Harry off, it will return Voldemort to power." McGonagall winced; nobody noticed. "Perhaps he wishes revenge on Harry for destroying his master. Or perhaps, he has other plans..."
Two hours later, Sirius and Remus sat shaking at the kitchen table in the cottage. Harry had been put to bed; he was asleep when they left Hogwarts, and did not even wake when they Apparated home.
"You do realize, Remus," Sirius said to the table, "that the rat was just feet from us... from Harry..."
Remus looked at Sirius, still slightly pale. "Yeah, I realized that," he said quietly.
"If we had wasted just one more minute dealing with Petunia, Wormtail would have taken him."
"I know."
"What I'd like to know is what the bastard wants with him."
"I don't know, Sirius. I wish I did. But all we can do is make sure Harry is safe, and Wormtail doesn't come anywhere near him," Remus said, looking out the window at the starry night.
"Oh, you can count on that," Sirius said as he stood and began to pace angrily. "I swear to god, Remus, if he lays one slimy hand on Harry's head, I will kill him. I don't care if I do go back to Azkaban. I will kill Wormtail."
Remus said nothing. He suspected Sirius would kill Wormtail on sight regardless of whether or not Harry had been harmed. Remus had had the exact same thoughts.
What plans could Wormtail have?
What did these plans have to do with Harry?
Why couldn't their lives just be quiet and normal?
The next morning, Mad-Eye Moody arrived at the cottage to increase and strengthen the wards around the property on Dumbledore's request. Once he finished, the aged Auror pulled Sirius outside.
"I have a proposition for you, Black," he growled.
Sirius raised his eyebrows in question. "Okay," he said slowly.
"You and Potter were the two best Aurors I had those three years. Irresponsible at times, but damn good at tracking down Death Eaters. Now, my question for you Black is this: Do you still have your Auror's license?"
Sirius was dazed by the question, but recovered quickly. "My Auror's license? Er, yeah, I do. Remus and I found it in some old boxes... Why?"
"Good, good. In that case, I want you to come back to the Ministry once Fudge is gone. We need all the top people we can get." Moody's wooden-like face formed into a twisted smile. "What do you say?"
Sirius was dumbfounded. Moody wanted him back at the Ministry—as an Auror. Sirius had wanted to be an Auror since he was thirteen and had seen James' father in action. His time catching Death Eater's had been the proudest of Sirius' life.
Did he want to pick up where he left off before he was sent to Azkaban?
Did he want to prove to the world that he wasn't a mass murdering psychopath?
Did he want to show Harry what it was that his father had done so well?
Did he want to assist in the search and capture of Wormtail?
"Where do I sign, Mad-Eye?" Sirius said with a grin.
Moody held out a scarred hand and shook Sirius'.
Sirius Black was going to be an Auror once again.