Summery: Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban when Harry was five years old. They lived hidden from the Wizarding world. Now Harry is fifteen.

On the Run

Chapter Twenty Nine

Burrow

Harry looked up as the door to the infirmary opened; Dumbledore walked through.

"Hello Harry." Dumbledore said as he stood in front of the bed Harry was sitting on.

"Hello headmaster." Harry answered politely. "Is Sirius okay? Did you see him?"

Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, I saw him and yes, he his okay. He is worried about you."

Harry blushed in embarrassment and looking down at his lap. He knew Dumbledore had told Sirius about him getting sick. And he knew that would only worry Sirius more. Finally Harry spoke, "How did he take it?"

"He's concerned." Dumbledore answered. "But he agrees with your being moved back to my quarters." Harry nodded but didn't reply. "Has Madam Pomfrey given you permission to leave?"

"Yes." A strict voice said from behind them. "He may leave, but he must take it easy."

"Thank you Poppy." Dumbledore said with a smile as he motioned for Harry to follow him.

They walked in silence to Dumbledore's office Harry was pensive the whole way. Once they arrived in Dumbledore's rooms, Dumbledore led Harry to the guest room and watched as Harry sat on the bed. He knew Harry was concerned about Sirius.

"Harry," Dumbledore called to get the raven haired teen's attention. When Harry looked up he rummaged in his robes for the letter; finding it he held it out. "Sirius gave this to me to give to you."

Harry smiled brightly and stood up and took the letter. "I'll leave you to read the letter. If you need anything I'll be in the living room, I have some paper work to do." Harry nodded and he left the room, closing the door behind him.

Harry rubbed his hand over the parchment. He had yet to open it. He traced his fingers over his name written in Sirius' handwriting.

Finally, taking a deep breath he opened it and unfolded it.

Dear Harry,


I learned from Poppy you were ill recently – that you had collapsed. Are you feeling better now? Professor Dumbledore tells me you are moving back to his rooms; I agree this is for the best. You obviously haven't been taking care of yourself.

I know the reason you got sick had a lot to do with this trial. I'm sorry this is so hard on you, Kiddo. It'll be over soon.

Please start taking better care of yourself. I'll feel a lot better if I know your well.

On a lighter note- how is school? Are you and your friends getting along? Have there been any problems? How are your classes?

Please don't worry so much about the trial or about me – I am fine.

I'll see you soon!

Please take care!

I love you!

Sirius

Harry read and reread the letter several times before he carefully folded the letter and placed it with the others he had received from Sirius. He was happy to have gotten a letter from his godfather and even happier that he could see him soon. He missed him so much and couldn't wait till this was all over; preferably with the outcome of him going to live with Sirius.

Sitting down at the desk he grabbed a piece of parchment and took out a quill. He knew Dumbledore or Remus; or both, would see Sirius next week and so he figured he had better write a letter to Sirius. It would be three weeks before he could see his godfather.

Dear Sirius,

I am okay. I admit I did get sick, and I did collapse. But I'm better now, so don't worry.

How are you doing? I can't wait to see you! I have a lot to tell you! School is going well. Classes are going well and I'm doing better in my classes. I can at least keep up now with the class. Ron and Hermione are doing great. Ron's going on and on about the Chuddly Cannons who have an upcoming match; while Hermione just rolls her eyes at him. She doesn't like Quidditch much.

I love you too, and I can't wait to see you!

Your Godson,

Harry Potter

Harry checked his letter and nodded his approval. It would have to do for now. Folding the parchment up he wrote Sirius' name on the front and placed it at the top of his desk so he wouldn't forget to give it to whoever went to visit Sirius.

Several days past and Harry found himself sitting by the Gryffindor Quidditch changing rooms. He was waiting for Ron to finish his practice while he finished his homework. He was currently working on Transfiguration and was almost finished.

"Hey Potter." A voice behind him called in a taunting voice.

Harry sighed. He didn't need this now. Turning around he came face to face with the sneering blonde Slytherin he had only met a few times; Draco Malfoy. Followed by his two goons who always seemed to be with him.

"Hello Malfoy. If you don't mind I'm kind of busy." Harry said trying to get Malfoy and his two goons to leave him alone.

"Actually I do mind, Potter." Malfoy sneered and stepped forward. "You think your something, don't you?" He asked rhetorically.

"What's your problem?" Harry asked irritably. He wasn't in the mood to argue.

"You," Malfoy answered stepping closer.

"And what have I done to offend you?" Harry asked a little curious.

"Being here Potter," Draco said as he drew his wand, but Harry was quicker and managed to cast an Expelliarmus, causing Draco's and his goons wands to fly in Harry's direction.

"You'll pay for that!" Malfoy cried a little shocked that Harry had taken their wands so easily.

"Just leave me alone." Harry said calmly. He really didn't want to fight. All he wanted was to be left alone. He had no reason to fight with Malfoy and his goons.

"I don't think so." Malfoy sneered gaining his composure again. He stepped forward toward Harry and his goons followed. Harry raised his wand to defend himself but something hit him from behind knocking him to the ground and his wand several feet away. Quickly he reached for his wand but Malfoy's goons grabbed him and pulled him away from his wand. He gasped as he was hit across the face. He was unable to fight back because of the hands holding him in place. Several more blows came and he found himself disorientated. His breath began to come in gasps as he struggled to escape the group, but they had too strong of a grasp. He began to get dizzy.

A pop was heard and he no longer felt the Slytherin's grasp on him. Looking around he realized what had happened. He had turned into his animagus; a little white puppy with bright green eyes.

Looking around cautiously he saw that the Slytherin's around him were shocked. They had not expected him to be an animegus. Their faces showed their shock; they were too surprised to continue their attack on him.

Taking the opportunity, Harry, who in this form was known as Burrow, quickly looked for a place to hide. Dashing to the opening of the Quidditch changing rooms he ran inside the small opening where the door had not been properly closed. Malfoy, who seemed to have come out of his stupor placed a well aimed kick at Burrows side causing him to squeal in pain and fall over. Fearing more Burrow looked around and attempted to stand again to head to the changing rooms, but found himself too out of breath.

"Hey!" A voice from behind the group called. "What are you doing to that dog?"

The Slytherin's were now face to face with the Gryffindor Quidditch team who seemed to have finished their practice. The Gryffindor's looked livid.

"Nothing," Malfoy said as he glared back at the small white puppy. "Just having fun."

"Well have it somewhere else," Called a red headed boy who Harry recognized as Ron Weasley.

"Whatever," Draco Malfoy finally said sneering back at the Gryffindor's. Turning on his heel with the Slytherin's following him he left the field.

Ron stepped forward cautiously. He didn't want to frighten the white puppy. Slowly he reached out and picked it up then cradled it to his chest.

"Is it okay?" Called one of his team mates.

"I don't know." Ron answered as he gave the puppy a once over.

"What's a dog doing here?" Another of his team mates asked eyeing the dog. "They don't allow dog's as familiars."

"Maybe the owner got a waver to allow them to have a dog." One of the girls of the team commented smiling at the dog on Ron's arms. "Maybe we should take it to Hagrid's."

"Hagrid's not there." Another of the team mates said in a annoyed voice.

"Madam Pomfrey's then." Ron said decisively. "I'll take him there, and see you later." Ron slowly walked to the castle and through the halls with the small white dog. He assumed it was still a puppy from its size. He jumped when he heard a voice behind him.

"Ron!" Hermione said shocked. She had had her nose in a book and Ron had startled her when he walked by; he hadn't even recognized her because of her face being covered. "I thought you were going to the common room after practice."

"I was." Ron said somewhat hotly; Hermione raised her eye brow at him. "Malfoy was attacking this dog and since Hagrid is out I'm taking it to Madam Pomfrey."

Hermione's face instantly softened. She had a soft spot for just about any animal, including house-elves. "Does it have a name tag?" She asked eyeing the whit dog.

"No." Ron answered also glancing at the dog. "I was hoping the Headmaster would recognize it and return it to it's owner."

"He's cute." Hermione said smiling a little at the puppy. Ron rolled his eyes. Everything to her was cute; for that matter most furry animals were to girls. "He kind of reminds me of someone." She said; her brow creasing.

"Who?" Ron asked curiously.

"Harry," Hermione answered still looking at the white dog. "Maybe it's the eyes. He has the same eyes as Harry."

"How do you know it's a 'he'?" Ron asked suddenly.

"He just seems like a he." Hermione answered. "Haven't you checked?"

"No." Ron answered. "I just want to get him to Madam Pomfrey." Ron said stressing the word him.

"I'll go with you." Hermione answered as they began their trek to the infirmary.

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey was tending to a first year who it appeared had a bloodied nose and asked them to wait until she was finished. It didn't take long before she excused the healed first year and addressed them.

"What's going on?" Madam Pomfrey asked eyeing the dog in Ron's arms suspiciously.

"Malfoy and some other Slytherin's were hurting him." Ron answered. "I brought him here because Hagrid is not there."

Madam Pomfrey nodded and motioned for them to place the puppy on the bed. "He'll be fine. Thank you for bringing him."

The two Gryffindor's nodded and left the room, giving the puppy one last glance.

After they left Madam Pomfrey began to examine the puppy. She gasped after she waved her wand over him a few times. "Mr. Potter!" She said shocked.

Hearing his name Harry looked up. Sighing he turned back into himself with a soft 'pop.'

"You're an animagus!" Madam Pomfrey cried. Harry silently nodded; this was not good! "How long have you been an animegus?" The matron asked curiously.

"Since I can remember," Harry mumbled miserably. He had been told it was best no one found out.

Madam Pomfrey gaped at him stunned. It was very rare for someone to become an animagus at such a young age, and Harry claimed that he could do it at least most of his life. Usually when someone that young learned it was under extreme stress and fear. Most documented cases had been from abuse. "I need to speak to the Headmaster for a moment, Mr. Potter, wait here." She finally said decisively. Harry nodded sadly and watched as she walked to her office where the fire place was. She planned to fire call him apparently.

Madam Pomfrey closed the door to her office firmly. Going over to the fire place she grabbed a pinch of floo powder and threw it in calling for the headmaster. A moment later Headmaster Dumbledore's head appeared in the fire.

"Poppy, is everything alright?" Dumbledore asked. It was rare for the matron to fire call him unless something was wrong.

"Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger just arrived a few minutes ago with a dog with them. They claimed the dog had been hurt by Mr. Malfoy and a few other Slytherin's." Madam Pomfrey took a calming breath. "As I was examining the dog my scan's showed it was one of our student's in an animagus form."

"We have a few animagus students here." Dumbledore commented calmly.

"Yes, we do." Madam Pomfrey answered somewhat flustered. "But this one is not known to be an animagus."

"And who is it, Poppy?" Dumbledore asked just as calmly.

"Mr. Potter." Madam Pomfrey answered and waited for Dumbledore's reaction. She didn't have to wait long. He nodded calmly, as though it was something he had already known, but she knew this was also news to him.

"I'll be right there." He said a moment later. Madam Pomfrey nodded and watched as his head disappeared from the fire place and she stepped back. The fire bleared and Dumbledore stepped through. "Has he told you anything?"

"I asked how long he's been an animagus and he informed me 'since he could remember.'" Madam Pomfrey answered. "He seemed upset that I found out it was him; I assume Mr. Black asked Mr. Potter not to tell anyone. There is no way Mr. Black did not know about this."

Dumbledore nodded. "Let's go speak with him." He led the way out of the office.

Harry looked up as Madam Pomfrey's door opened. As expected, Dumbledore also stepped out.

"Hello Harry." Dumbledore said smiling as he came closer.

"Headmaster." Harry answered shortly. He did not want to have this conversation.

"Harry, Madam Pomfrey tells me you are an animagus?" Dumbledore asked in a curious voice.

Harry nodded sadly. "Yes sir." He answered in a quiet voice.

"Why did you not inform us of this sooner?" Dumbledore asked.

"Sirius said it was best that no one found out." Harry answered after a moment.

Dumbledore nodded in understanding. "Madam Pomfrey also tells me you've been able to transform for many years. Do you know when exactly you learned how?"

Harry shook his head looking down at his hands. "No."

"Do you know why Sirius asked you not to tell anyone?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

Harry nodded. "He said it could be valuable." He waited a moment to find a way to explain better. "Like if I got trapped somewhere dangerous I could change to escape without anyone being the wiser."

Dumbledore nodded. "He was right. That is a valuable tool. You do know I will have to register you?"

Harry nodded sadly then mumbled something.

"What was that Harry?" Dumbledore asked patiently.

"What if Sirius is mad?" Harry asked in a more audible voice. "He didn't want anyone to find out."

"I'm sure he will understand." Dumbledore answered patiently. "I'm sure you have nothing to worry about."

"Malfoy saw." Harry said.

"Mr. Malfoy." Dumbledore corrected. "Yes, Madam Pomfrey told me what she was told by Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger." He paused a moment. "But I would like to hear your side."

"He hasn't been healed." Madam Pomfrey interjected sounding upset with herself for not healing him sooner.

Dumbledore nodded and waited patiently for her to finish her examination and heal him. "How is he?" He asked when Madam Pomfrey finished.

"Two broken ribs, deep bruise around his ribs." Madam Pomfrey answered. "He will need to rest some, especially since he is still recovering from being ill." Dumbledore nodded sadly. He was upset that Harry had been attacked like that.

"Can he leave the infirmary?"

Madam Pomfrey nodded. "No classes for two days." Madam Pomfrey warned.

"Are you ready to leave, Harry?" Dumbledore asked pleasantly. Harry nodded and followed him out of the infirmary and to Dumbledore's office.

(An hour later)

Dumbledore sat down on the bed next to where Harry was laying. Harry had bathed and eaten and Dumbledore insisted he stay in bed. "Do you feel up to talking about today?" He asked calmly.

Harry sighed but nodded. He knew Dumbledore was asking about what happened with the Malfoy boy. "I was outside waiting for Ron to finish Quidditch practice; I was working on my homework. Malfoy and those two boys who are always with him came up to me trying to pick a fight and I refused. They drew their wands but I was faster and took their wands. Someone hit me, I don't know who, I didn't get a good look at them. I fell to the ground and my wand a few feet away. I was grabbed before I could get it and they started hitting me. I – I think I panicked because I changed into Burrow. I tried to get to cover so they couldn't get me but I was kicked – must have been when my ribs were broken," Harry mused to himself then continued. "The Gryffindor Quidditch team stopped them from continuing. Ron took me to the infirmary." Harry finished.

Dumbledore nodded and thought over what he had just heard. It matched what Madam Pomfrey had been told. "Who is Burrow?" He asked curiously.

Harry smiled shyly. "That's my animagus form. Sirius came up with the name."

"Why did he think of that name?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

Harry smiled and blushed. "Umm… It's because when I panic I change and I burrow into something. Sirius taught me how to change on my own without panicking first but I still burrow. Like into blankets." Harry answered shyly.

Dumbledore smiled then thought of another comment Harry had made earlier. "Don't be concerned about Sirius being angry at you for telling us you're an animagus. He'll understand. He'll be more concerned if you were hurt."

Harry didn't comment but Dumbledore could see that Harry understood his point.

"Get some rest, Harry." Dumbledore said patting Harry's shoulder and heading to the door. "If you need anything I'll be in the other room." Harry nodded and Dumbledore left the room.

(Later that night)

Dumbledore smiled as he entered Harry's room. Harry was in a deep sleep. Dumbledore cast nox on most of the candles, leaving a few for light incase Harry woke.

He had a meeting in a few minutes with Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape.

Sitting at his desk he waited for about ten minutes before the gargoyle at the entrance to his office alerted him to Mr. Malfoy and Severus Snape's arrival.

The door opened a moment later and he motioned for both of them to sit in front of his desk.

"What is this about, Headmaster?" Severus asked in a bored voice.

"Mr. Malfoy was caught attacking and harming another student today." Dumbledore answered sternly.

"That's not true!" Malfoy cried irritably.

"We have many witnesses." Dumbledore countered.

"I bet they're all Gryffindor's too." Malfoy mumbled.

"They are." Dumbledore answered calmly. "They also say you had three accomplices."

"Who is this student Mr. Malfoy allegedly attacked, Headmaster?" Severus asked in an annoyed voice.

"Mr. Potter." Dumbledore answered. Severus looked up sharply but didn't comment.

"What do you have to say about this, Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked looking over his half moon glasses at the blonde boy in front of him.

"I didn't do it." Malfoy said angrily.

"Would you be willing to submit to veritaserum?" Severus asked.

"You can't do that!" Malfoy cried.

"I can get permission from your father to administer it. He will undoubtedly want this cleared up as soon as possible and veritaserum will do that. If you are in fact innocent, as you claim, then you have nothing to worry about." Professor Snape drawled.

Malfoy fidgeted in his seat. "Have you got something to say, Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked.

"I admit it." Malfoy said quietly and dejectedly. "I did do that, but I didn't intend for it to go that far." He tried to cover.

"Fifty points will be deducted from Slytherin." Dumbledore said after a moment. "And you have a month's detention. Two weeks with Professor Snape and two weeks with Mr. Filtch. Fighting is not tolerated here." Dumbledore said sternly. Malfoy nodded miserably but didn't comment further. "You are dismissed."

After Malfoy left the room Severus finally spoke. "Was Mr. Potter injured badly?"

Dumbledore shook his head and sighed tiredly. "Thankfully no. He suffered two broken ribs and is badly bruised. He is excused from classes for two days." Severus nodded in understanding.

"I must go, Albus." Severus said as he stood gracefully. "I have some papers to grade." Dumbledore nodded and watched as Severus left.

(Two weeks Later)

Harry wrung his hands nervously. He was finally going to see Sirius! Dumbledore had just gone in to speak with Sirius first, then he would be allowed to see him. He couldn't express his happiness at seeing his godfather again.

"Harry," Dumbledore said as he stepped into the room. "You can go see him now."

Harry nodded and smiled. Standing up he quickly left the room. The Auror let him into Sirius' detaining room.

Looking over Harry saw Sirius stand up from his chair. Harry didn't think twice. He ran to Sirius' arms and was immediately wrapped in a hug from his godfather. After several minutes, both enjoying just touching Sirius grudgingly pulled back.

"Hey, Kiddo," Sirius said smiling as he looked at Harry's face and looked him up and down.

"Hi Siri," Harry said smiling.

"How are you doing?" Sirius asked, concern leaking in his voice.

"I'm okay, Siri." Harry said sighing.

"How are you feeling?" Sirius pressed.

"I'm okay." Harry answered again. "I'm sleeping. I'm eating. I'm doing my homework."

"Are you having any fun?" Sirius asked quirking a smile.

Harry hesitated. "I have fun sometimes with Ron and Hermione."

"Sometimes?" Sirius asked.

"Like when Ron tries to teach me Quidditch." Harry explained. "Or Hermione and I argue about Muggle life. She's funny when she gets riled up about something. I also have fun in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"But you are feeling well?" Sirius asked again raking his eyes over Harry for any clue of injury or illness.

"Yes." Harry answered exasperated. He understood Sirius' worry, but it still annoyed him. He didn't want Sirius to worry about him.

"How is school going?" Sirius asked.

"Okay." Harry answered.

Sirius asked several more questions about school, grades, friends and classes.

"Dumbledore told me about how you were attacked a few weeks ago." Sirius commented in concern.

"I changed." Harry stressed. "I didn't mean to. It just…happened. I had to tell Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey about Burrow. The Slytherin's that attacked me know, and have tried to tell others at school but they don't believe them, thankfully." Harry said quietly. "Are you mad?" Harry asked in an even quieter voice.

Sirius snorted. "I'm not mad at you!" Sirius answered. He knew his godson was worried he was angry because he had let it out that he was an animagus. "I'm glad you tried to defend yourself. I'm glad you weren't hurt worse, and I want you to keep yourself safe, even if it means transforming. Okay?"

Harry nodded; suddenly he felt like crying. Maybe it was because of everything that had happened. Maybe it was because he was finally with Sirius. Maybe it was because he was tired; but he felt like crying. Sirius seemed to notice because hr placed a hand under his chin to force his face up so he could see it. "It's okay." Sirius said in a soothing tone. That was all Harry needed before the tears started to fall. Sirius wrapped his arms around Harry and held him as he cried and whispered to him soothingly. About fifteen minutes later Harry stopped crying, only sniffling. "Are you okay now?" Sirius asked as he continued to hold his godson. Harry nodded into his chest.

"I'm sorry for bawling like that." Harry said a little embarrassed rubbing at his red tear stained face.

Sirius smiled. "No problem. I don't want you to worry about me or the trial. I'm fine. The trial is going well." Sirius paused. "I also don't want you to worry about testifying. Just be honest and you'll do great. Okay?"

Harry nodded. There was a knock on the door before it opened and the Auror stepped through. "Sorry to interrupt, but the time is up." It was obvious he was sincere about not wanting to interrupt.

Sirius nodded. "I love you, Kiddo." He said hugging Harry tightly to him.

"I love you too, Sirius." Harry said into his chest. Reluctantly they both pulled away and Harry left the room.

Entering the room where Dumbledore was calmly waiting for him he waited for Dumbledore to stand.

"Are you okay, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. Harry nodded.

Dumbledore and Harry flooed back to Dumbledore's office and Harry went to his room saying he was tired.

It was true; he was tired. And he was deeply asleep a few minutes after laying down.

End of Chapter Twenty Nine

A/N: Yeah! Another chapter finished! And a long one! Eleven pages on my computer! 35 KB! I hope you all like it! Please REVIEW!

Burrow: I will write a new chapter some time to better explain Burrow. Harry is able to transform into Burrow. It's a defense. And he learned to do it as a toddler. It was an accidental magic. More will be explained on Burrow later.

The reason I call Nott and Goyle (I think that's their names) 'goons' is because Harry doesn't know their names.

Next Chapter:

Sirius questioned in court.