Chapter 2

Since Harry had met Allyson, which was two days ago, she was beginning to spend a lot of around the house. Which meant at every point possible, Harry had tried to avoid her. Which wasn't that difficult, since all Allyson did was try to cuddle with Sirius as much as she could.

Harry currently sat on his bed, looking out the window and watching the thin, white clouds snake across the darkening sky when he heard a sound behind him. He didn't bother to turn around and see who it was, since the voice spoke quietly.

"What's wrong, Harry?" It was Remus. "You're so quiet all of a sudden. Ever since—"

"Ever since Sirius started dating Allyson?" Harry said, looking back at Remus in distaste. "I know."

"So what's the matter?" Remus asked, concerned. He went over by Harry and sat down next to him, ready to listen to whatever Harry had to say. "Are you… jealous?"

Harry turned to look at Remus and scowled. "Jealous? You think that I'm jealous of Allyson? I'm not jealous."

"She's not that bad once you get to know her," Remus said gently. "And she does like your godfather very much, Harry. Doesn't that count as something?"

"I know she does," Harry said in a softer tone. "Something's just wrong with her. I don't trust her at all, Moony."

Remus looked at Harry in thought. "You shouldn't be explaining this to me, Harry. You should be telling this to Sirius."

Harry sighed and nodded. "I know that, Moony. I just can't seem to do it. I mean… he really likes her. And besides, what am I going to say if I do? 'Hey, Sirius, I don't like your girlfriend at all. You should leave her. What's for dinner?' "

Remus gave Harry a look. "You know just as well as I do that you're not actually going to say that." Remus then raised an eyebrow, looking at Harry quizzically. "Would you?"

Harry smiled. "Of course not, Moony. I was just trying to make a point."

"You've told me a few times how much you don't trust her. Maybe you should be telling Sirius that."

The phone rang, just as Harry was about to answer Remus. He ignored it though, since either Sirius or Allyson could get it.

"I know," Harry said, ignoring the phone as it rang again. "I just don't know how I'm suppose to tell Sirius, especially with Allyson hanging around here every day."

The phone rang for a fourth time, and Harry let out a disgruntled sigh. "I'm coming, I'm coming," he muttered as he left Remus in his room, walking down the hallway towards the phone.

When he answered it, he was relieved to hear Isabella Jessup on the other end, her voice cheery. "Hey, Harry," she greeted. "How're you today?"

"Fine, I guess," Harry replied. "Sirius's girlfriend is over, so I wouldn't say the best, but…"

Isabella tone turned serious. "Ah, yes. Allyson McGregor, correct?" Then, she resumed her cheery voice. "I was wondering if you wanted some fish. I know it doesn't sound very… well, you know, but Julian went fishing with Willow, and they caught a pretty amount of fish. We couldn't eat it all, so I thought you might want some."

"Sure," Harry agreed. "Fish sounds good for supper. Do you want me to come pick it up?" Please say yes so I can get out of this house…

"Actually," Isabella started, "I was thinking of coming by so I could cook it for you. Seeing as how at the barbeque, Sirius…"

Harry bit his lip as a grin appeared on his face. Ah, the barbeque… how could he forgotten that special moment? When Sirius was trying to cook steak at the barbeque Isabella hosted, only to have the barbeque explode. Luckily, nobody was hurt by the explosion, except for the steak.

After that barbeque, Harry made sure that Sirius never used the stove again.

"Yeah, I think it would be best if you cooked the fish for us," Harry said with a laugh. He heard Isabella chuckle on the other end.

"Besides, Julian's still at work and Willow and Nevaeda are visiting their grandparents, and so I have nobody to keep me company. You don't mind, do you?"

"Of course not," Harry replied. "You can come by now if you want."

"Excellent. See you soon, Harry," Isabella said before hanging up, and then Harry did the same.

"Who was that?" Sirius asked as he and Allyson passed Harry, his arm around her neck. It made Harry a bit queasy to see Allyson cling to Sirius like that, but he forced himself to.

"Mrs. Jessup," Harry replied with a smile. "She offered us some fish, so she's coming over now to cook it for us."

Sirius frowned. "I could've cooked it. I know how to cook fish."

Harry raised his eyebrows. "After what happened to the barbeque? You promised you'd never go around one of those again, that and a stove."

"What about the microwave?" Sirius asked with a grin. "You don't let me use those, either."

"No," Harry said with a shake of his head. "I'm afraid you'll cause that to explode, too."

Harry flashed Sirius another grin before going back to his room to see Remus, and waiting for Isabella to arrive.

"You have a great view," Remus said once he heard Harry enter the room. He was staring out the window at the sky.

Harry smiled and walked over to Remus. "Yeah. I especially like looking at the sky. Kinda calming."

"It usually always is," Remus said. "So who was on the phone?"

"Isabella," Harry replied. "She offered us some fish, then said she'd come over and cook it for us."

"Ah, of course," replied Remus with a grin. "After all, with the barbeque, who'd trust Sirius with those appliances again?"

Harry grinned. "Exactly what I was thinking."

——

After Isabella had arrived and cooked the fish for them, Harry was disappointed to see her leave. He'd of liked her to stay longer so they could talk, because Sirius never seemed to have the time for their talks anymore, so he and Remus usually talked.

That was one thing that had bugged Harry. Sirius spent more time with Allyson now, and every time Harry just wanted to spend time with him, he was always busy. With Allyson.

And every time he thought about it, he knew that Remus was right: he was becoming jealous. But being jealous of Allyson wasn't the reason why he didn't trust her. They were individual things. He was jealous that Allyson was taking up most of Sirius's time, and he didn't trust her. There was just a bad vibe coming off of her, and it seemed that he was the only one who noticed it.

And for the first time since Allyson and Sirius had dated, Harry was absolutely speechless to hear Sirius say that she could spend the night. In their house, with Remus and Harry in it.

All Harry could do was remain speechless, and then with great effort excuse himself from the table so he could go to his room.

Sirius wants Allyson to spend the night, Harry realized as he collapsed onto his bed. He didn't know how serious the two were until Sirius had uttered those words. Now he knew.

——

That night, Harry was relieved that Allyson didn't spend the night. He knew that beforehand though, since after Harry went to his room Remus came in and told him that Sirius had changed his mind about Allyson staying.

As Harry approached his room, he noticed that Remus had fallen asleep in his bed. I guess our talking wearied him out, Harry thought with a smirk.

"Hey kiddo," Sirius greeted quietly from behind Harry. Harry turned around to face him, and then realized how much he wanted to tell Sirius about how he didn't trust Allyson, that every time he looked at her he could sense that she was up to something. "Remus is asleep in your room. Wanna come in here? We can talk about everything that's bugging you."

"You want to talk about what's bugging me?" Harry blurted out after swallowing. "Ever since you started dating Allyson, you're never there when I need you. That's bugging me. And something else? Your girlfriend is bugging me. I don't trust her, Sirius, and when I tell Remus about it, he just thinks I'm jealous. But I'm not. I don't trust Allyson McGregor, and I don't like her either."

It wasn't the exact way Harry pictured telling Sirius of his feelings, but it was a way. A way that seemed to hurt Sirius, though.

First, a pained expression crossed his face momentarily. That was soon replaced by coldness. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Harry," he said coolly. "But I trust Allyson and I like Allyson. That's really all that matters, isn't it?"

Harry watched in surprise as Sirius retreated back into his room, closing the door behind him. Allyson McGregor couldn't be the one that came between them, could she? Because by the looks of it, it seemed to already be happening.

But Harry wouldn't let their conversation end there. He finally told Sirius how he felt, and he wasn't about to end it there.

"I'm sorry, Sirius," Harry said once he opened Sirius's door and walked in. "I didn't mean for it to come out like that. Everything just came out so wrong and… aghh…" he sighed.

"Hey, what did I ever teach you about knocking first?" Sirius replied, sounding annoyed as he sat up in bed. "And I don't think you're really sorry, Harry. You meant that, so why are you apologizing?"

"Because it came out wrong," Harry said. "But you're right, I did mean what I meant. I don't trust Allyson. She's up to something."

Sirius sighed exasperatedly, standing up to face Harry. "I don't need to discuss this with you now, Harry. Just go somewhere to sleep."

"You don't even care about what I think anymore," Harry said, feeling a lump appear in his throat. "You barely even have time for me! And then, you ask her to spend the night with you?"

Sirius threw his hands up in the air. "I do have time for you, Harry! Come on, stop making me the bad person in this story! 'N' when I asked her to spend the night? I'm sorry, it just came out, I wasn't going to actually let her spend the night! You know that, Harry!"

"You're not a bad person," Harry argued. "But you're spending more time with somebody you barely even know then with someone you've spent around eight or nine years with!"

"Exactly!" Sirius exclaimed. "Somebody I've spent eight or nine years with! Don't you think that's enough time?" Then Sirius paled, noticing Harry's hurt expression. "Oh, kiddo, I didn't mean it like that—"

"Of course you did," Harry said through clenched teeth, his voice quavering. "So, what? Was somebody paying you to look after me? Was somebody paying you to be nice to me?"

Sirius sighed, closing his eyes. "No, Harry, I've been looking after you because I'm your godfather—"

"Ah," Harry clapped his hands and let out a loud, curt laugh. "So that's it. You felt you were obliged to look after me since you're my godfather. You felt forced."

Sirius frowned. "That's not it at all! You never let me finish! I've been looking after you because I'm your godfather and I love you."

"I bet not as much as you love Allyson," Harry muttered under his breath, not meaning for Sirius to hear, but he did.

"Is that how you feel? That I love Allyson more than you?"

"Of course not!" Harry exclaimed, feeling color rush to his face. "It's just that's how you act like. You barely even pay attention to me. Or Remus, for that matter."

"Remus?" Sirius exclaimed, running his fingers through his hair. "What does Remus have to do with this? Obviously this is about Allyson and how you find that I love her more than you."

"That's not it at all," Harry replied angrily. "This is about how I think that you felt forced to take care of me. I've had a pretty good suspicion for a while that somebody was paying you to do it."

Of course, that was a lie, but it came out.

"Well, if that's what you think then maybe it's true!" Sirius exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. "Every time you got sick and I took care of you, somebody paid me. When I bought you food and took care of you, put a roof over your head, somebody paid me."

Harry clenched his teeth together. "Stop it. This is serious."

"I am serious!" Sirius exclaimed, ignoring the pun. "Oh, god, this is ridiculous…"

"I can tell how much you like Allyson," Harry said, his voice lowering but still quavering slightly. "And I would like her too if I didn't get a bad vibe off her. You don't seem to care what I think, though. So maybe I should just leave, that way you never have to care about what I think."

"Yeah," Sirius said, looking exhausted but angry. "Maybe you should."

Then, turning on his heel, Harry went to go to the phone and call Isabella. He wasn't sure if Sirius was following him or not, but he didn't stop and turn around to find out.

"Hello?" A sleepy voice asked. Isabella's voice.

"Sorry to wake you, Mrs. Jessup," Harry said in a soft voice, letting his tears fall. "I'm really, really sorry. Can you come pick me up?"

Isabella's voice turned frantic and demanding. "Oh, god, Harry! Where are you, are you in trouble? Are you hurt?"

"I'm just upset," Harry said, sniffing. "Sirius and I had a fight. I didn't know who else to call. I need to leave the house, but I don't know where to go, and you just came into my head."

"Of course," Isabella replied, sounding relieved. "I'm here for you any time. Day or night. Rain or snow. I'll be over as soon as I can, okay, Harry?"

Then the phone clicked, a sign that Isabella hung up.

Harry put the phone back on the cradle and went to go get his shoes and coat, which was difficult since his tears that bubbled up in his eyes blurred his vision.

Once he got his coat and shoes on, he noticed Sirius standing in front of him, just standing there and staying mute.

Harry quickly wiped his eyes and stood up straighter, scowling at Sirius.

"Have a nice life."

With one last look, Harry opened the door and stood on the threshold, making sure to slam the door as hard as he could behind him.

-

"Oh god Harry, you look horrible," Isabella said as Harry stepped into her car. "It must've been a pretty bad fight, huh?"

"Horrible," Harry said, leaning back into the cushioned seat. "I feel so bad for saying the things I did to Sirius, but he said some things too…"

"Some things that he didn't mean," Isabella said firmly, glancing at Harry before keeping her eyesight back on the road. Even though it was a clear, summers night, after the car accident a while back she stayed as safe on the road as ever. "And you said things that you didn't mean."

"I know," Harry said, emitting a sigh. "Mrs. Jessup, do you mind if… if I stay with you for the rest of the summer? There's not much of it left, and I don't want to go back to the house right now…"

Isabella hesitated before replying. "I'm not sure, Harry. What about Sirius? And Remus? They'll be really concerned about you."

"Please, Mrs. Jessup," Harry said, turning his head to look at Isabella. "I don't want to go back yet. I can't see Sirius yet, or… or his girlfriend…"

"I have to be honest Harry," Isabella started as she pulled into her driveway. "Something's weird about that girl. Whenever you see her, stay careful, OK? I don't want you to get hurt."

Harry looked up at Isabella in surprise. So she didn't trust Allyson either. He was relieved to find that he wasn't the only one.

"And you can't avoid Sirius forever," Isabella continued as she unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door to get out. "I mean he's your godfather. That and your school—"

Harry froze, looking up at Isabella in horror. School? Did she know about Hogwarts? What else did she know? After all, she was only a muggle…

Isabella sighed, leading Harry to the door. "Don't give me that look, Harry. I know that you're a wizard. That Sirius is one, too. Possibly even Remus."

Harry was about to ask 'how?' but Isabella beat him to it.

"Julian." Isabella bit her lip. "He told me that he was a - a wizard. He told me about Hogwarts and the magical stuff, and about this boy-who-lived." she glanced at Harry as she opened the door and invited him in. "You."

"I didn't know that Julian was a wizard," Harry admitted. "I'm actually surprised that you know, too."

"Well he wasn't about to keep that little secret from me our whole lives," Isabella said with a laugh, hanging up her coat on the coat rack. "I'm just thinking if Nevaeda will be a… er, a witch when she turns eleven. And Willow. After all, their father is a wizard…" Then she looked at Harry, smiling. "It's hard to believe that you're the boy-who-lived from what Julian explained to me. Amazing…"

Then she took Harry by the hand and led him to the guest room. "This is still a little weird for me," Isabella said. "But I'm starting to get used to having my husband and friends being wizards. Anyhow… if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, all right, Harry?"

Harry nodded and thanked Isabella before she smiled again and shut the door. It was weird having Isabella know what he was, but also a little good. He didn't have to lie to her anymore.

Laying down on his temporary bed, Harry thought about what had just happened. The argument between Harry and Sirius was unbelievable. They had never fought like that before. Last time they had an argument Harry had told Sirius that he hated him, and then what happened next made them promise that they'd never fight like that again. But here they were…

Harry closed his eyes. It was all because of Allyson. The argument had been about her. Why couldn't she just leave them alone? He, Sirius and Remus had been perfectly happy before Allyson McGregor arrived, and he didn't want his and Sirius's relationship be put to an end because of her.

——

A/N: Here's the update, thank you all very much for the reviews. Hoping to see more!