Chapter Nine C

The two Slytherins froze, realizing that they had interrupted a very revealing conversation. "We only came to deliver the potion before lunch."

Remus nodded, grateful to the dark haired wizard, as both Slytherins slipped away. Osiris continued without being told. "When I began school, my cousin, Dudley, made sure no one even thought of befriending me. But when I showed up bruised or beaten he was quick to blame someone else. I never told anyone. I learned that early when I was beaten into unconsciousness one night when one teacher questioned, as well as threatened to call Child Services. When she went through with the threats, I was already placed with Uncle Vernon's sister, Marge, until the inquires were done. And the problem was that I never really told my teacher. She figured it out. After that Uncle Vernon was careful not to let the beatings become that bad, if he could help it."

Osiris stopped to allow his godfathers to order a small lunch. All three were slightly surprised that it was that late already. But between sandwiches, Osiris pushed forward. "As I grew older, they made me their house elf. I learned cooking, gardening, weeding, washing, cleaning, ironing, and shopping. I did everything for them. All I got in return was scraps of meals I made, a cramped cupboard under the stairs for ten years, and being the punching bag. I knew my beatings were worse if something strange happened. Such as glass suddenly exploding or things disappearing from view. At the time I thought it was coincidence but here I was, performing magic and didn't know it."

Osiris knew his story would end soon but he was afraid of the actions of the two older wizards, "A few days before my birthday I had learned I could be understood by snakes. But I really didn't understand this until my second year, when I was ousted as a Parselmouth, that it was a rare gift. That day, before Hogwarts, I had caused the glass to disappear and my cousin fell into the cage with a large snake. The snake had then slithered away after thanking me. That was one of the rare times I was never beaten but was locked away. It wasn't long after that the letters came."

The two ex-Hogwarts students knew all about The Letter. "But I was confused as to why I was getting this letter. I never did find out until my birthday. Hagrid had to come after me and get my school things. The Dursley's tried to keep me from getting them, even went to live in a lighthouse far from Surrey. Never did work. But I ended up at Hogwarts and back in Surrey for summers. During those few summers at home, Uncle Vernon did his best to keep my beatings non-fatal in fear of a wizard visiting. With no magic I couldn't fight back. I didn't want to be expelled. So, I put up with the heavy chores, little food, hand-me-downs, barred windows, and the smallest bedroom."

Tears clouded Sirius' eyes, "I'm sorry, Harry. I was a terrible godfather."

"No. After my third year, the summer was bearable. They did believe you wouldn't stop at anything to hurt them."

"I think it's time to make a visit."

Remus whirled on his mate. "Sirius! You wouldn't dare!"

The ex-prisoner laughed, "Of course not." He winked at a speechless Mage, "I couldn't leave without you."

Osiris felt slightly mad when he realized the eagerness was a cover for two very angry and dangerous wizards. "Nothing illegal, guys. No need to upset Fudge again. At least for the moment."