For Neither Can Live While the Other Survives
Chapter Five
Harry's Childhood
Disclaimer: Nothing you might recognise belongs to me.
From the age of one, Harry Potter had an excellent upbringing. His loving guardian Sirius cared for him deeply and raised him as if he was his own child.
When Harry was aged eleven, Sirius decided it was time to tell him the truth. Harry knew that his parents had died at the hands one of the most feared wizards of all time when he was a year old but that was all.
Sirius was sitting in an armchair in his study. He gently opened a leather bound album that contained many photos of the Potters throughout their years. There were many photos all over the house for Harry's benefit- at least ten in every room- but this photograph album was Sirius's very own. With this album, Sirius felt he could grieve for his best friend's death. Harry had never seen the album but the photographs inside were copies of many of the ones scattered around the house. Sirius sighed and quickly leafed through the book until he found his favourite photo. It was one of Lily and James' wedding; Sirius himself was there as the Best Man. Sirius remembered their wedding day as if it was yesterday.
"Harry!" he called, "Come here a minute will you?"
He heard a thud upstairs and then the pattering of feet coming down the stairs. Harry entered the study quietly. He wasn't normally allowed in here. He knew Sirius did important work in here and Harry had often heard him crying though he never knew why.
"Harry. Sit down," said Sirius, smiling at his godson,
"OK, Sirius," said Harry,
"Now Harry. I want to tell you something today that I haven't told you about your parents. It might be a lot to take in but I know you are old enough to understand. Anyway, you know how Lily and James, your parents, died?" said Sirius,
"Lord Voldemort murdered them when I was one," replied the child, solemnly,
"That's right," said Sirius, "But that very same night, when your parents died, Voldemort died too. It's how that happened that I want to talk about. Alright?"
"Yes, Sirius,"
"In three weeks time, you are going to be going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus Dumbledore will be your headmaster. Now, Dumbledore will tell you many more things- things I do not even understand myself. Anyway, from what we've pieced together, just after the Dark Lord murdered your parents, he tried to murder you too, using the same curse. However, something went wrong. Something about you made the curse rebound and it killed Voldemort. Do you understand?" asked Sirius, looking at his god son,
"I...I killed Voldemort?" said Harry, his face confused,
"Yes and no. But you did it unknowingly. It is not your fault!" assured Sirius,
"But how?" wondered Harry, "I was only a baby!"
"Professor Dumbledore will tell you that. I do not know the full story myself. So... are you OK with it now?"
"I think so," said Harry, "Hang on... is that why so many people seem to know who I am and shake my hand?"
"Yes. Dumbledore and I thought it would be best to let you grow up out of the limelight in a Muggle town. Unfortunately some witches and wizards recognise you in the street and you receive that treatment. When you go to Hogwarts, you'll get a lot of recognition so be prepared for it. OK?"
"OK. I've always wondered but never asked," said Harry, grinning. He stood up and went and hugged Sirius. "How'd you keep that a secret all this time?"
"I didn't want to think about my best friends dying," said Sirius,
"Sirius, do you really miss them? Is that why you cry sometimes in here?" asked Harry, quietly,
"I didn't know you heard. Well, yes. I knew both your parents from when I was eleven. I miss them every day. I know I keep telling you this but when I look at you I see Lily in your eyes and James in your face," said Sirius, "Anyway, I think it's time for tea, now. And what do you say we go shopping in Diagon Alley for your new Hogwarts stuff tomorrow?"
Harry cheered his face bright. "Race you to the kitchen!" He ran out of the room.
Sirius remained behind for a minute, thinking. Harry had taken that remarkably well. 'Well, we shall see how he gets on at Hogwarts. Hey Lily, James, I know you're listening. I hope you're proud that your little guy is reaching the age of Hogwarts. He'll do well. I know he will."