---Chapter 2---
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Harry was on all fours, gasping for breath.
His body shook like he was having a seizure and started to cough violently. Harry opened his eyes to see splattered blood on the ground.
'Fuck.. Am I dying?' He wondered as his arms gave out. He had just enough strength to avoid landing on the pool of blood he coughed up, but that was all he managed to do. He tightly embraced himself as his body continued to convulse.
/I warned you, Harry. You should try listening for once-../
Tom began lecturing but Harry ignored it completely. He breathed heavily clutching his stomach, wondering what went wrong. He turned to Tom who was still rambling.
'Is this... Does this have something to do with the damn bond?'
Tom nodded. /Yes, Harry. If you would've listened to me-../ he shook his head /never mind.. The pain is from the blood bond, yes. When you hurt the binder, you'll feel the same pain you've afflicted upon him. And as the bond strengthens, the backlash gets worse./
'Hold on.. Strengthen? What the hell do you mean?' Harry rolled to his side. His breathing was quieter and his body began to relax a bit.
/The longer you're bonded, the binder's blood inside your body will thicken. If you continue to fight his blood, you're going to suff-../
'In my body?-!' Harry gasped. 'His blood is in my body? You're fucking joking!' His breathing became heavy again, but it wasn't from pain this time.
Tom sighed.
/Harry, what do you think blood bond is? You're bound by blood. That blood ward you and Severus Snape performed could only be achieved if you're related. You are part of him, Harry. As long as he is your Master, you cannot hurt him without hurting yourself. Don't take this bond lightly./
'Master?' Harry screwed his face. His stomach was churning again.
/The whole idea of the blood bond came from the vampires, the bond between the Master and the child. You remember learning about how one becomes a vampire from your DADA class/
Harry glared. He didn't even know such thing actually existed.
/Right./ Tom snickered. /A vampire sucks its child's blood almost completely dry. Then, it offers the mixed blood to its child, thus consummating the blood bond. This system is to prevent the child from harming oneself or the Master. As long as it lives, the child belongs to the vampire./
'Oh, how bloody romantic.' Harry groaned as he slowly sat up. He ran his hand through his hair. 'Master..,' Harry snickered, 'how fucking great.' He cursed to himself as he remembered Snape's invitation to end his life.
-----------------"Go ahead, Potter. Kill me." -----------------
And he would have, if Tom hadn't stop him. It was very tempting to erase that smirk off the fucker's face permanently.
'What will happen if I kill him?' Harry asked, though he had a pretty good idea.
/If you try to kill him, it would backfire and you'll end up dead. As I said, you cannot kill him unless he releases you./
Tom crossed his arms, frowning.
'Oh, don't give me that look! You should've told me earlier.' Tom gave him a piercing look.'Before I started attacking him, you arse! You know damned well you could have warned me yesterday!... Damn it to hell!-!' Harry punched the stone floor. He can almost hear Snape chuckling. 'That bastard really wanted to kill me, didn't he?'
/Believe me, you two always wanted to kill each other./
Tom smiled, shaking his head.
'I believe you.' Harry rolled his eyes. So they always had this animosity between one another. No surprise there. But that old wizard Dumbledore, with his kind eyes and soft voice.. He knew Harry and Snape couldn't stand each other, and yet, he permitted the bond. Rather, he encouraged it by performing the bloody Imperius Curse. Harry scoffed. Deceitful old git..
Harry tensed when he heard a knock. He turned to the door as it opened and Dumbledore walked in.
/Speak of the devil../
Harry heard Tom laugh, but he remained glaring as Dumbledore slowly advanced.
"Harry. Are you-.." Dumbledore saw the warning in Harry's eyes, "I.. I am sorry about this, Harry. I truly am."
He waved his hand and the blood, both Harry's and Snape's, disappeared. He gently reached to help Harry up which the youth slapped it away. Harry was satisfied to see the old wizard crestfallen. He was able to walk steadily to the nearby settee but slumped ungracefully over it.
Dumbledore sat on the chair opposite Harry.
"Please, understand Harry. You cannot fight Severus-."
"Yeah, I got that crystal clear. Too little, too fucking late for warning, I should think."
Harry growled.
Dumbledore sat back on his chair as two teacups appeared on the table. One floated up to the old wizard's hand as the other glided on the table in front of Harry.
"..Harry.. Moments ago, Severus told me..," Dumbledore looked up from his tea, "you knew about the Death Eaters?"
It wasn't a question. It sounded more like an accusation.
Harry tilted his head to the side, staring straight into the searching blue eyes. He silently challenged the older wizard to use Legilimens. Though surprisingly, the old wizard broke eye contact and sipped his tea.
"If you want me dead, what the hell is keeping you?" Harry snorted finally. "This is the perfect opportunity, isn't it?"
Dumbledore turned to Harry, mixture of disbelief and despair in those usually twinkling eyes.
"We do not want you dead, Harry! What gave you that impression?"
"What impression?-! Shite, I didn't have time for impressions when you two bastards forced me into this fucking blood bond!" Harry kicked the table savagely, making the teacup fall and shatter.
Dumbledore shook his head sadly as the mess disappeared.
"I know it is hard for you to trust us, Harry, but please. Trust me when I say this; I do not want you dead."
"Then why else would you bind me to that arsehole?-! To that fucking lapdog of yours? Huh?" He heard Dumbeldore take in a sharp breath. "If you don't undo the bond, one of us will end up dead, and I'd say the odds are against me."
"Harry, unless you try to kill Severus, harm will not come your way, I assure you," before Harry could retort Dumbledore added, "and I know Severus well enough that he would never hurt you."
"Really? That's not the impression I got from him," Harry snorted, "I was quite sure he wanted me to attack."
"Severus told me he was rather caught off guard. However, if he ever causes you harm out of sheer malice, I will take care of him personally."
Dumbledore trenchantly promised.
Harry was alarmed at the harshness of the usually friendly tone. It sounded as though Dumbledore was willing to kill his faithful lackey for him. Harry blinked and peeked at Tom.
'Did I miss something here?'
/No matter how loyal Severus Snape is, no one can ever measure up to your amplitude, Harry. Dumbledore will dispose anyone who damages his… Instrument of Lord Voldemort's destruction./
Harry did not find the inventive metaphor amusing, though Tom apparently did.
'Of course. Why else would he want me alive?' Harry snorted and felt a slight pity for Snape. He was just a pawn in Dumbledore's mind. But yet, so was he, though relatively less trivial.
"Please, Harry. You must understand.. if you know anything about the Death Eaters-.."
"I don't. Everyone knows the Malfoys have a long history with Dark Wizards. I'm sure them being a Death Eater is no news."
Harry shot back. He didn't want Dumbledore to know about his informant.
"I was talking about Severus," Dumbledore didn't falter, "not many know about his role as a double agent."
"I didn't either. I was only talking about the Malfoys. No one said anything about him being a Death Eater."
Though it was obvious he accused Snape with the Malfoys at the Minister's office, Dumbledore wasn't there. Harry didn't have to admit to anything.
"Severus was convinced you knew. Otherwise, he wouldn't have rushed into my office with such urgency."
Dumbledore secretly smiled. He was about to leave his office when Snape barged in unannounced. Luckily, he was a few feet away from the door.
"Well, if you're going to take his words over mine, there's no point in asking me, is there?"
Harry stood up to lock himself in the bedroom. He didn't want to be cooped up like a caged animal, but he didn't feel like talking to Dumbledore either.
"Harry, listen to me."
Dumbledore rigidly ordered, and Harry had no choice but to stop and turn around. The old wizard had such commanding force that even Harry inadvertently obeyed.
"The reason I asked.. is because if Voldemort is in fact, truly alive, Severus must resume his position as a spy."
Dumbledore finished his tea in one gulp, not meeting Harry's eyes. Harry could tell Dumbledore was pretty certain Voldemort has returned. It wasn't a question of if but when.
Harry knew exactly what Dumbledore was trying to say.
"Are you going to obliviate me?"
He was afraid Harry might somehow give the information to the enemy. The old wizard didn't trust Harry completely, which Harry thought was wise. He didn't say anything about helping Voldemort's undoing. Just because he defeated him before didn't mean he would do it again.
This meant that Dumbledore has accepted the fact he was not the Harry Potter who left three years ago..
After an intense stare, Dumbledore finally responded.
"No."
'But it did cross your mind.' Harry thought.
"You seem to forget you have my godfather in your clutches. Why don't you use him to threaten me?" Harry smiled, "or manipulate me into thinking Voldemort's followers would kill Sirius again if I don't join you?"
Really, there were so many ways Dumbledore could control Harry. Just mention the name Sirius Black and Harry Potter would do anything for his safety.
'Pathetic.' Harry smiled bitterly. But he knew Dumbledore had the upper hand.
"You know how Sirius died?"
Dumbledore blinked.
"If I knew he was dead, isn't it obvious?"
Harry rolled his eyes and turned away. His answer seemed to bring the twinkle back in those god-awful bright blue eyes.
He was about to turn the knob when Dumbledore offered.
"Speaking of which, I think it's time we pay your godfather a visit, don't you?"
Harry froze from the unexpected proposition. He speculated he'd never see Sirius unless he joined Dumbledore. But then, he was already their prisoner. What were they afraid of?
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Harry stumbled out of the fireplace, not much better performance than before. He felt a hand on his arm and shrugged it off. Looking around the dark room, Harry could smell the dust and old magic throughout the whole house. Grimmauld Place didn't look any better than the first time he arrived.
'Wait.. I remember this place..?' Harry sucked in his breath as he was engulfed by a white light. He heard a nasty shriek of a woman and shouting of some profanity. He saw couple of red haired children chasing little fairy-like creatures, and a horror-stricken woman in a brink of a breakdown.
"...Boggart.."
"Did you say something, Harry?"
Dumbledore's voice caused all the images around Harry to fade. He turned to the worried face of the old wizard.
"No."
He slightly shook his head. He covertly searched for Tom, but realized his companion has stayed behind. He had accompanied him to the Minister's office earlier, and Harry wondered if traveling far distance was restricted.
He refused to look around as he followed Dumbledore upstairs. He was afraid of more images flashing before his eyes, and quite frankly, he was still shocked from the one earlier. People from those images looked remarkably familiar, and for some reason, he blurted out the word 'Boggart.' What the hell did that mean?
"..Shacklebolt?"
A soft voice replied when Dumbledore knocked on the door.
"No, it's Albus Dumbledore."
Dumbledore slowly opened the door.
Harry was stunned to see the back of a short-haired woman. He knew exactly who she was.
"Sorry, Headmaster. I thought Auror Shackle--.. Harry!"
As soon as she turned, her eyes narrowed and rushed forward to slap him. He caught it effortlessly.
"Whoa! What the hell!" he turned to Dumbledore, "what is she doing here?"
"She is Nymphadora Tonks, Harry. It was her turn to look after Sirius. How is he, Tonks?"
Dumbledore kindly smiled.
Harry struggled to keep her hands from strangling him, but finally, she snatched back.
"He's fine.. nothing yet.. Sorry, Headmaster."
She blushed at the childish outbreak she displayed in front of Dumbledore.
"That's quite all right, Tonks. You look exhausted. Why don't you go down to the kitchen and have something to eat? I believe Kingsley is already there."
Tonks was about to oppose, but Dumbledore's eyes told her it was a command, not a request. She nodded and quietly walked to the door, but stopped before turning the knob.
"Is it true, Harry?" Tonks asked without looking at him, "I heard you lost all your memory.. Is it true?"
"It's true."
For some odd reason, Harry felt a drop of guilt affirming that. It was probably because he felt her hands faintly quivering.
After she walked out, Harry turned to the figure on the bed for the first time. He knew it was Sirius, but didn't have the mental preparation to look straight in the face. He carefully advanced to the chair beside him, which was occupied by Tonks earlier and sat. Then did he finally have the courage to observe him closely.
"Sirius.."
Harry was surprised to see his godfather exactly how he remembered him. Except for the longer hair and beard, Sirius Black didn't look a day older than the moment he fell through the veil. Harry exhaled the breath he was holding. Sirius looked as though he was asleep. The colorless face did concern him a little, however. Harry unconsciously raised his hand to the pale face.
"He's cold."
Harry gasped and felt for his breath. Sirius was breathing, but just barely.
"He stopped breathing two times, ..at least to my knowledge," Dumbledore heavy-heartedly explained, "he was hardly breathing when he was found. We have been tending him around the clock to make sure he will continue breathing. So far, he is in stable condition."
Harry gently stroked the wax-like skin and felt some stubbles on the side of his chin. He noticed someone had shaved him and although long, his mustache and beard had been neatly trimmed.
"Tonks," Dumbledore added, "she's been up all night taking care of him."
Harry mentally clicked his tongue. He could tell Tonks was weary from tending Sirius and everyone else who was contributing. True as that may be, he didn't ask this of anybody. Nevertheless, Dumbledore's tone sounded as though he 'owed' them.
"Anyway, Harry. Did you have breakfast?"
Dumbledore tactfully changed the subject. He could tell Harry was getting irritated.
Harry now had both hands on Sirius' cheeks as if to warm them up. He didn't even bother to answer.
"I will be downstairs in the kitchen. It's right across the hall. Come and have tea with us, Harry. Or coffee. Whichever you prefer."
With that, Dumbledore left the room.
Harry gave out a deep sigh, then inspected the large room. It was clean, unlike the rest of the house. The window was slightly open, allowing the morning breeze to flow through. The thought of escaping did cross his mind, but he wasn't that reckless. Without his wand, it was impossible to take Sirius along and face his opponents. And it was probably a bad idea to move Sirius' body in this condition. Also, he needed magical care instead of a Muggle hospital. There was no way a Muggle doctor would believe Sirius fell through a magical veil and came back five years later. Harry sighed again and looked at the various potions on the nightstand. He didn't know what they were for but was confident Tom would.
"..."
With his mind made up, he stood up to take Dumbledore's offer. All he had this morning was a cup of tea from the Minister's office. His appetite seemed to resurface.
"I'll be back, Sirius."
Harry brushed the long bangs away and kissed his forehead. As much as he wanted to stay, there was nothing he could do at this point.
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It was pretty much impossible to descend the stairs unnoticed. The creaks and cracks told Harry how ancient this place was. He turned to the hallway when he recognized Tonks standing there.
"--------"
They stared at each other for a moment, except Tonks was leaning more towards glaring. Harry sighed and raised a white flag.
"I apologize for.. few nights ago..," he closed his eyes, "you can slap me all you want."
He sensed her gasp and hesitate. But then, she began to rush at him and Harry tensed up for the blow. Was she going to tackle him?
"?"
But the strike didn't come. Instead, Harry almost fell back from the sudden embrace.
"You're such a pain in the arse! Such a jerk, Harry!"
Tonks started to sob and tightened her arms around the confused wizard.
"Uhh, ..Ms. Tonks?"
"You have no idea how worried we were! Do you?-! We looked everywhere, all of us! And.. now you're back, and your memory is gone?-! God Harry! --And it's Tonks!"
She yelled and started to shake.
"We thought-… I thought you were dead.."
She hiccupped.
Unsure of how to react, Harry slowly hugged back.
"I'm sorry, ..Tonks.." As an afterthought, he added, "And thank you.. for taking care of Sirius."
"I don't need your apology or gratitude!" Tonks slightly pushed him away, "…. I didn't do it for you.. I did it for.."
She bit her lips and knitted her eyebrows. She looked uncertain whether to continue or not.
"Anyway, I'm glad you're all right."
She embraced him again.
Though very uncomfortable, Harry stood still and allowed her to hold him. Normally, he wouldn't let anyone this close but she did care for Sirius after all.
And the witch genuinely appeared concerned for Harry's well being.
"Gawd blimey, you've grown."
Tonks laughed and looked up at Harry.
"? What happened to your mouth?"
Tonks brushed her finger over Harry's lips. He had coughed up blood earlier, and although he wiped his mouth, the blood had stained his lips red.
"It's nothing."
Harry curtly turned away. He can do without the details of the eventful morning right now.
He could tell Tonks was unsatisfied with his answer and contemplated on avoiding her next question when a deep voice came to his rescue.
"Tonks, I told you to go home and rest," a tall black man emerged in the hallway, "you're needed in the kitchen, Harry."
Despite the towering physique, the man gave a gentle smile to Harry as Tonks quickly drew back.
"I am Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry. Along with Tonks here, I am an Auror."
He slowly walked towards them and inspected Harry up and down. Harry somewhat felt relieved when Shacklebolt looked content.
"We've met before and we already shook hands. I really don't fancy formalities between friends."
And so, Shacklebolt didn't offer his hand. Instead, he gave a tight but friendly squeeze on Harry's upper arm.
"I can't believe you're the same kid I met years ago. It's good to see you again, Harry."
He gave a strong tap on the shoulder and headed for the stairs.
To his big relief, Shacklebolt didn't ask any questions. Harry watched as the tall Auror made his way upstairs. Out of all the wizards he met so far, Shacklebolt seemed to be the most approachable.
"Oh, right," Tonks called for Shacklebolt, "I didn't give him the red potion yet. The yellowish green one I gave about an hour ago."
Harry stared at her dumbfounded, while Shacklebolt raised his brow. They were both surprised Sirius was still alive. It seems Harry wasn't the only person clueless when it came to potions.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Shacklebolt wryly smiled and proceeded to the upper level.
"Well, I guess I'll go then. I am a bit tired."
Tonks bit back a yawn and smiled.
"I'll see you, all right?"
Harry nodded and closed the door after her. It was very frustrating since it was such a lovely day outside. Not that he wanted to go for a picnic or something of that sort, though he wouldn't mind lying outside all day. But he also remembered what happened here the last time he visited; a loud alarm and violent footsteps dashing after him. Ironically, that was on his birthday, which only happens to be three days ago. He wasn't going to take the risk of stepping outside and setting off the same stupid alarm again.
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"That was quite a show you two put out there."
Harry was met with an all too familiar sneer when he entered the kitchen. He screwed his face when he saw Snape sitting by a large table.
'Of course, how could I forget?' Harry groaned as he slowly sat on one of the stools. He couldn't go anywhere without the disdainful potions master. He was so excited to see his godfather, he completely forgot about the blood bond dilemma.
"Harry, would you care for something to drink?"
Dumbledore was seated next to Snape. He was drinking his usual tea, and around the cup, Harry detected what seemed to be Muggle candy wrappers.
"..Coffee, if you have some."
Harry looked around for the pot, but gave up after seeing no familiar appliances. He murmured his thanks when a mug appeared in front of him, along with a bowl of oatmeal.
'What am I, an infant?' Harry thought as he took a sip of coffee. He was given porridge yesterday from Madam Pomfrey and now a watered down grain. Nevertheless, he picked up the spoon. He didn't hate oatmeal, really. But after taking two bites, he was already full. Of course, the main reason of his disintegrating appetite was do to the two wizards who are currently surveying him. He felt very depressed thinking this was how it's going to be like from now on.
"I hope the bond's backfire wasn't too painful."
Snape decided to break the silence. He could see the bloodstain on Harry's lips and had a satisfactory glee in his eyes.
Harry was planning to forget about the morning quarrel, but hell, if Snape wanted to bring it back up, he wasn't going to take it quietly.
"How's your shoulder?"
Harry tilted his head in mock concern.
The delightful look quickly turned into a scowl. It was Harry's turn to be pleased. He turned to his food again and tried another bite, but the result was the same. His stomach did not want to take in anything in front of the two wizards. Dumbledore watched Harry playing with his food and decided to open his mouth.
"The food not to your liking, Harry?"
"..It's all right."
'It's not the food. It's you.' Harry thought, but kept quiet. He did need to ask them a favor..
"We need to address the issue at hand, Harry," Dumbledore leaned on the table, "how well do you remember Voldemort?"
Harry thought he saw Snape twitch in the corner of his eyes but didn't comment.
"You told me I killed him, ..though unsuccessfully it seems," he shrugged, "that's all I know."
"You sounded as though you knew him in a much more personal level."
Snape was going to have none of that. He was an expert when it came to penetrating through student's lies. Although the man before him seemed skilled at wearing a façade, he was still Harry Potter.
"Harry,.. we need to know what you know."
Dumbledore continued when Harry didn't reply.
Harry chuckled.
"Are you serious? ..You pretty much took everything I had, including my freedom. And you still want more?-!" He sneered. "You got to be fucking kidding me."
He mashed the oatmeal, wishing it was Dumbledore. Snape glared silently while Dumbledore sighed. Harry continued to play with his food, eyes daring them to speak again.
After an intense stare, it was Harry who finally asked, "What are you afraid of?"
Both Dumbledore and Snape looked confused. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Are you afraid that I'm going to join Voldemort? Or just worried I'm going to tell him you're an double agent?" Harry eyed Snape.
He was expecting anger, but Snape simply asked.
"It all depends.. Have you considered it?"
Harry shrugged.
"If he promise to free me from this bonding shite and have you two at my mercy, I just might take him up on it."
"Is that so?" Snape mocked, "unfortunately, I am the only one who can release you from this bonding shite."
"Well, I guess I'll have to ask Voldemort to perform the Imperius Curse on you then"
Harry sneered. Sound familiar?
He could tell Snape was fuming with anger, but the potions master was suppressing it with all his might. Harry wondered if Dumbledore had threatened him. The victim of Harry's frustration, namely the oatmeal, has lost all its shape and became a big blob. He finally put the spoon down and drank his coffee.
"..Your parents, Harry-.."
Dumbledore started.
"Were killed by Voldemort, I know."
Harry scoffed. He knew exactly where this was going..
"Ah, so you do know more than you're letting on," Snape smirked and turned to Dumbledore, "for all we know, the boy could be pretending he lost his memory."
"That's very unlikely," Harry grinned, "if I knew from the beginning how much of an arse you were, I would've killed you on the spot. With or without the wand."
Snape gritted his teeth in anger, but again, kept to himself. It was a big letdown for Harry, since he wanted Snape to erupt from that usual phlegmatic appearance. Discouraged, he turned back to Dumbledore.
"What does it matter? I never knew my parents to begin with. No use grieving over complete strangers."
"What about Black?"
Harry was surprised when it was Snape who mentioned Sirius.
"He was pushed in the veil by Lestrange."
Harry said, irritably.
"Under the Dark Lord's order. You think he would've done anything different?"
Snape ridiculed.
'Since when did you give a damn about Sirius?' Harry thought. He knew he should hate Voldemort for killing Sirius, but then, the same Voldemort brought him back. He was in a extremely awkward position.. His best friend, ...his only friend, was none other than his archenemy who killed the ones he loved. Unconsciously, he bit his thumbnail. They expect him to fight Voldemort, and would be suspicious if he didn't. He eyed the two and discovered they already were. His words earlier sounded a little defensive of the Dark Lord. Harry clicked his tongue for his carelessness.
"Harry,.."
Dumbledore began.
"You want information."
Harry cut him off. He was going to ask this as a favor, but if he could avoid giving them leverage, he'll take it.
"You set the blood ward here, then I'll tell you what I know."
He offered.
Dumbledore blinked and appeared to give it a thought, but Snape quickly shook his head.
"No deal, Potter. Keep your damn information."
Harry glared and wanted to retort, but instead turned to Dumbledore.
"Tonks and Shacklebolt,.. the Aurors. They are needed elsewhere, are they not? I alone can take care of Sirius."
"I believe otherwise, Potter."
Snape jeered.
Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"Sirius needs medical attention, Harry. Poppy and another mediwitch are able to check him four times a week, but he needs to take his potions hourly, and-.."
"I can give it to him. Just tell me which ones to give, and I'll do it."
"Potions are not as simple as your mind tends to be, Potter. Especially to those who failed to finish their N.E.W.T.s."
Harry made a face at the unfamiliar term, but glared.
"Yes, because Tonks seemed to be an expert at potions."
He snarled. 'No offense, Tonks,' he mentally added.
"She completed her N.E.W.T.s in potions," Snape grimaced, "preposterous as it may sound, being an Auror is indisputable evidence."
Though he was able to discredit Harry, Snape didn't look too happy.
"Severus is right, Harry. One little drop of increased dosage could be fatal. Tonks may not have the knowledge of a mediwitch, but she knows what she's doing. Otherwise, we wouldn't trust her with Sirius."
Dumbledore reassured.
Harry crossed his arms.
"She could teach me, then. It's better than having to tend him all day," he hissed when Dumbledore seemed to disapprove, "what the hell is the problem? The Aurors will be free to do whatever they do, I'll take full responsibility of Sirius, and we-" Harry stared daggers at Snape, "won't try to kill each other."
"We?"
Snape asked, amusingly.
Harry ignored the inquiry and sighed.
"Look, you want the information or not?"
Dumbledore wavered his options. He very much did want to know what happened to Harry, but wasn't sure if leaving him alone with Sirius was such a good idea. He turned to Snape who ultimately gets to decide. Along with being Harry's bond mate, came the title of legal guardian. Ironic, since the whole blood bond was suppose to be illegal.
"No," Snape shook again, "we don't know what the boy is capable of."
Harry snickered.
"Shite, may I fucking remind you that you have my wand, my godfather, oh and let's not forget, this bonding crap that'll make me hurl my guts out unless I cling on to you like an helpless infant!-?" He shook his head and laughed. "Fuck you."
He gulped the last drop of coffee and stood.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Snape merely raised his eyebrow.
"Far away from you as possible, arsehole."
Harry grumbled as he headed out the kitchen. 'I'd much rather spend time with Sirius in comatose than this irritable bastard.' He felt he deserved a medal for not lashing out and keeping his magic in check.
"I'm afraid your time with Black is already up."
Snape stood and brushed passed Harry.
"..Can't stand here another minute."
Harry heard him complain as he walked out the hall. He stared after him in wonder.
"He is not very fond of this place."
Dumbledore chuckled.
"What?"
Harry turned.
"Grimmauld Place. He never liked it here."
Dumbledore smiled and shrugged.
Harry turned to the hallway again. He had an odd sense that Snape had read his mind just now.
"Potter! Unless you want to spew your guts all over your godfather's house, get over here!"
Snape bellowed.
Dumbledore and Snape both expected Harry to refuse or at least argue, but he surprised them both by obeying quietly. He calmly flooed back to Hogawarts. He wanted to organize his thoughts anyway.
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Harry quickly moved out of the fireplace in case Snape drops in. He walked to a chair and sat, all the while thinking on his next move. First of all, he needed to convince Snape to allow him to stay in Grimmauld Place.
----------"He is not very fond of this place."----------
'I don't blame the bastard.' Harry sighed. It felt strange in that ancient house, like he was... uninvited. And those images he saw were very unsettling.
/Are you going to sit there all day?-/
Harry didn't even notice Tom watching him.
/You came back by yourself?-/
'No. Snape should be here,' he turned to the mantelpiece, 'I guess he flooed back to his own room.'
/Wise decision. Considering what happened last time he flooed in here after you./
Tom chuckled.
Harry tilted his head. There was something in Tom's words that bothered him.
/What's wrong?-/
Tom stopped laughing.
'Nothing.' Harry shook it away. 'Hey, do you know what a Boggart is?'
/Why? Did you see one in Grimmauld Place?-/
Tom suddenly looked curious.
'Er, I don't even know what it is..' Harry blinked. Was Boggart something interesting?
Tom gave a puzzled expression, but answered anyway.
/It's a creature that shape shifts into something you fear the most...I never asked yours, come to think of it./
'It makes sense.' Harry thought. The woman he saw in the flash of light must have seen a Boggart. That would explain the horrifying look on her face.
/Why do you ask?-/
Tom examined.
'I saw.. things..,' Harry paused, 'kids. They weren't really vivid, but I think they were chasing something.'
/Were they ghosts?-/
Tom asked. He forgot to inform his friend roaming spirits were quite common in the Wizarding World.
Harry shook his head. 'No, I saw ghosts yesterday when I was lead to Dumbledore's office.. but.. I think those kids were different. They looked familiar.. And the word 'Boggart' came in mind.'
Harry had a pretty good idea, but waited for Tom's reply.
Tom narrowed his eyes and looked troubled, but a smile reappeared.
/It was probably a flashback, which I'm quite sure you already have surmised./
Harry nodded. 'I thought so... This castle,.. the hallways, the paintings, and even the ghosts... They all felt.. familiar..' It was odd that everything in this worldwas foreign, and yet they felt common. Could this also be the effect of the blood bond?
/A house elf brought you some things you might want to look at./
Tom suddenly changed the subject and went in the bedroom.
'House elf?' Harry knitted his brows, but followed.
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Snape decided to make some potions for Pomfrey as soon as he arrived back in his quarters. He had to calm his nerves down. He didn't know what he might do if he didn't keep his mind off Harry Potter. He went to that hellish Grimmauld Place so the boy could see his godfather..
"And what thanks do I get?-!"
The imperious brat tries to strike a deal with me! Damn him!-!
And what's more? His shoulder was dislocated as a result of this morning's brawl...
He almost ruined two batches in the process of making a very simple potion. After a short period though, he finally managed to compose himself. The distinctive scent and the sound of boiling potions worked wonders.
He watched the simmering fluids which always helped him think.
Dumbledore and Lucius believes decoding Harry Potter was a very high priority. Though they have different interests in the boy, they both desire one goal; Voldemort's destruction. And so far, the only one who ever came close to achieving that was Potter.
Snape can deny all he wants, but he was also interested in what had happened to his former student. Soon after his graduation, the boy destroys Voldemort, disappears without a trace, then reappears claiming he lost all his memory.
"Everything will be unveiled once Harry comes back."
Dumbledore believed, but the exact opposite occured. Ever since Harry Potter's return, more questions and problems manifest. Whatever the boy was hiding, Snape was convinced it was the key to solve all the puzzle.
He bottled his solutions and realized it was already passed lunch. He wondered about his son who should've been back by now. He decided to go look for him. Normally, he wouldn't worry if his son was a bit late. The boy was quite a reader and tends to forget the time in the library very often. But the circumstances are different now. Harry Potter was in Hogwarts. He might take his son hostage or even hurt him to exact revenge. Who knows?
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Harry stared at his parents in awe. They were holding their baby, smiling proudly and lovingly.
On his bed, Harry found a trunk filled with his personal belongings. He's been absorbed in the family photo album for what seemed like hours.
'I must really wanted to break my connection with the Wizarding World to leave this behind.' Harry exhaled.
/Well, that's not entirely true,-/ Tom explained /Dumbledore placed a tracing magic on these, and we decided it was too much of a risk to bring them along./
'Why would he do that?' Harry eyed Tom, very much disturbed.
/Well, you ran away from home after Sirius Black died. And caused quite a commotion,-/ Tom laughed as he remembered the chaotic state the Wizarding World was in /so, Dumbledore took extra measures to keep you in check./
'Doesn't any wizard respect people's privacy? Or is that just a Muggle thing?' Harry gritted his teeth. He felt anger and disbelief that Dumbledore took the liberty to rummage through his property. He finally put the photo album down and reached in the trunk.
'..What's this?' Harry held out a large parchment paper.
/That's the Marauder's Map.. I can't believe Dumbledore is actually returning it to you.. Either he is incredibly stupid or have no clue what it's capable of doing./ Tom snickered.
'Marauder's Map? What is it suppose to do?' Harry's interest peaked.
/You say the words, 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good' to activate it./
Harry turned to the old parchment and opened his mouth.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
His eyes widened as the map of Hogwarts appeared. He saw his own name and couple of others roaming about the castle.
"Neat."
Harry smiled. But he quickly noticed something peculiar.
'Tom? ...Is this in real time?'
Tom nodded.
/Yes. Why?-/
Harry pointed. 'Someone's in the other room.'
/What?-/
Tom gasped. He never failed in detecting presence of others.
Harry immediately stood from the bed and approached the door. He opened it, ready for anything.
"?-!"
Harry blinked at the figure before him.
"I.. I knocked... but you didn't answer..."
...It was the little boy from this morning.
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