Hermione had left an hour before for a class – he had woken up during the lunch period, and she had promised to let his friends know he was awake and feeling much better.
The time had passed slowly, with Harry idly watching Madame Pomfrey and the occasional upper year assistant busy about the large room. He watched as they organised shelves, labelled bottles and went about a dozen other mundane tasks with a focus that was startling.
It seemed that Harry was the only resident in need of actual care, though, seeing as Quidditch hadn't started yet and it was so early in the school year, perhaps that was likely to change as the months went on.
He debated taking a nap when the large double doors of the Medical Wing were thrown open and a large black Grim charged along the marble floor, its tongue hanging out the side of its mouth and bouncing with every stride.
One of the students, a girl in Ravenclaw colours with dark hair, shrieked at the sight of the dog and fainted. He was so used to seeing Padfoot that he often forgot that Grims were looked upon as portents of doom – though why anyone would be scared of a large, shaggy black dog was utterly beyond him. In his mind, 'Creatures of Doom', was a category that held Dragons and the like.
The dog leapt in the air a foot away from the bed and landed easily atop the sheets. Harry grimaced as the animal began nuzzling and licking his face. "Ah, get off!" Harry grumbled, glaring at the dog as he wiped at the slobber covering his face with the backs of his hands.
The dog hopped from the bed and quickly transformed into his Godfather. Sirius threw his arms around him and buried his face in his hair.
"I'm so glad you're okay, pup."
Harry smiled as he wrapped his arms around the man, his irritation forgotten – even if he would no doubt smell of Padfoot until he could stumble into a shower.
"You had me so worried." Sirius sighed as he pulled back from him. His Godfather gently combed his fingers through Harry's hair, and Harry had to fight the urge to lean into the touch.
He had missed Sirius something fierce ever since his departure on the train.
"Poppy had to chase me out of here when we first heard you were injured." Sirius whispered conspiratorially, with a small wink.
"And don't you think I won't do it again, Sirius Black." Madame Pomfrey sniffed as she approached the bed, a small scowl on her face. "You've just hospitalised one of my assistants with that stunt of yours."
Harry watched as Sirius grimaced a little and couldn't help the tiny grin that threatened to split his face. "Where's Arcturus and Remus?" He asked, looking towards the door.
"I believe both are rounding up your friends, though Remus is likely having to physically hold onto Lispy."
"Lispy is here?" Harry gasped; his eyes wide.
Sirius gave a short nod and playfully tugged on a lock of his hair. "Oh yes, she was quite… unhappy when she heard you were injured."
Harry grimaced and attempted to sink into the bed. At his movement, Madame Pomfrey gave a quick swish of her wand, and Harry found his pillows adjusted comfortably.
"Now, I trust you shan't be troubling anyone else, Mr. Black?" She sniffed, sticking her wand into the waistband of her white apron.
Sirius shook his head slowly as he shuffled back half a step from the Healer.
"Excellent. Now, do try not to get up to any mischief – it would be such a shame if I had to inform Minerva of your activities."
Harry heard Sirius audibly swallow. He quirked an eyebrow at the man beside his bed, but the small look of panic on his Godfather's face gave nothing more away. Perhaps he could ask Professor McGonagall about the story sometime.
Madame Pomfrey left the bedside after that, her boots clacking against the hard marble as she walked to her office. If there was one reason to never return, it was that Madame Pomfrey could be more terrifying than any Mountain Troll.
Sirius pulled a nearby chair to the side of his bed and sat down heavily. Now that he had a moment, Harry could see the lines of stress in Sirius's face, not to mention the large bags under his eyes. His pale skin was a stark contrast to the darkness of his hair, which appeared dull and limp.
"You really had us worried, Harry." Sirius murmured, taking Harry's left hand in his own much larger paw.
"Sorry." Harry murmured, smiling a little as Sirius traced his thumb back and forth over the back of his hand. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"No, you just meant to jump on the back of a Mountain Troll." Sirius smirked.
"I didn't even mean to do that." Harry scoffed, rolling his eyes at his Godfather's teasing.
"What do you mean? Details of the whole thing have been disappointingly… lacking, as far as we've been concerned." Sirius frowned, his face turning stony.
"Would it be alright if I explained it all when everyone's here? I don't really want to repeat myself." Harry asked, pleadingly. He took a moment to tug at the collar of his nightshirt.
"Of course. Now, why don't you tell me what you left out in all those letters about your time here, hm?"
Harry grinned at the change of topic. Harry had written countless letters to Sirius, Remus and Arcturus in the weeks since being placed into Gryffindor. He had told them about finding his father's bed, his lessons in the various subjects and how excited he was to explore the famous Hogwarts Library!
"Well, Professor Seller had us researching basic transmutation spells just before Halloween. I swear, she's one iron ingot short of a gold necklace half the time. Besides that, Alchemy has been interesting." Harry chuckled, rolling his eyes at the thought of the borderline-mad Alchemy Professor.
She was a wonderful instructor, but at the same time, he would be wary around anything she happened to be brewing when she really got going. She was less of a 'Follow the recipe' kind of Alchemist, and more a 'Let's throw a bit of this and this in and see what happens'.
He imagined she didn't get on very well with Professor Snape, who was the polar opposite, if his lessons so far were anything to go by.
"Didn't you tell me you blew someone up?" Sirius asked, his forehead wrinkling in confusion for a moment.
"Oh! That was Seamus – don't worry, he's fine! He has a habit of blowing things up, so it wasn't really his fault. Professor Seller just suggested adding a little vinegar to his brew and he put in too much." Harry snickered – it was a miracle that Seamus had any hair left, really.
"What about Defence? I remember you said you were most excited about that course."
Harry grimaced, remembering the few classes with Professor Quirrell. "They're not too bad, but the man reeks of garlic and has the most awful stutter. It wouldn't be so bad if he didn't jump at his own shadow, I suppose."
"From what I hear, he's fairly new to the position. It's likely just his nerves." Sirius smiled kindly. He looked as if he were about to say more when the doors to the room opened and in marched a small army of people.
There was Arcturus at the head of them, his cloak billowing in his wake – Harry noted that, for the first time, that neither he nor Sirius were wearing their usual armour. They must have wasted no time in rushing here once word reached them of his waking up.
Right behind Arcturus was Remus, a large wolfish grin on his face that was marked only by a new scar on his cheek. Harry frowned a little at that.
Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall followed at a slightly more sedate pace and were overtaken by five Hogwarts students and a downright furious House Elf.
Lispy reached his bed first, her little boots slapping against the floor before she dove at him. Her tiny arms wrapped around his neck and her large bat-like ears smothered his face as she would bury her tiny head in the crook of his neck, pull back a moment, and then swap sides.
Once the others arrived, with Daphne, Neville, Tracey and Hermione crowding the bed, Lispy pulled back one more time before waving an angry finger between his eyes. He tried not to go cross-eyed as he watched it.
"Young Master Harry bes giving Lispy a poor fright! Lispy bes telling Master Harry he bes better off staying at Blackwall! Did Master Harry listen? No, he didn't!"
He heard Tracey snicker behind her hand before he turned his gaze upon her. The snickering stopped instantly, though her eyes still twinkled in amusement. He looked back at Lispy.
"I'm sorry Lispy, I'm sorry I worried you."
"Not just poor Lispy – you worried all of us." Arcturus chimed in from the far side of his bed to his school friends. He clasped Harry on the shoulder gently. "We're all glad you're alright, Harry."
There were nods from around the bed, all with gentle smiles.
"I can't believe you picked a fight with a Troll, Harry." Neville gushed – it seemed he'd been holding it in for a while by the way his entire face turned red. Everyone turned to look at him, and he watched as Neville cringed under their collective looks.
"Indeed, it is something that has the staff quite perplexed." Headmaster Dumbledore added, his voice soft and his eyes curious.
"It kind of found me, Headmaster." Harry shrugged. He felt comfortable enough around the man from their brief conversations about their familiars. "I'd just returned from spending time with Clara…"
"Ah, that reminds me!" Remus interjected as he moved to a window and threw it open. Immediately Clara swooped into the room, followed shortly by the much smaller Hedwig. Both landed on either side of his head, their talons curled around the metal frame of the bed.
Harry bolted upright and spun to fuss the two birds. He hugged Clara, while she responded with an affectionate nip of his ear, and he scratched Hedwig under her beak and chuckled as she closed her eyes and spread her wings a little.
He turned to look at the assembled gathering around his bed and coughed awkwardly as he relaxed in the bed once again – though this time Hedwig hopped to his shoulder, though not before glancing in Clara's direction. Lispy had retreated to the foot of the bed in his mad scramble and sat with her legs folded beneath her.
"Sorry." He mumbled, his cheeks burning a little. All looked upon him with either smiles or were simply rolling their eyes.
"Should've known the girls would get a better reaction than all of us." Daphne sighed, flicking her hair over a shoulder. Tracey sniggered at her side, while Hermione chewed on her lip.
"I believe Mr. Potter was about to tell us what he was doing with Clara?" Professor McGonagall spoke up, raising an eyebrow at the gathered students.
"I like to be on my own on Halloween, and it was getting to me." He sighed – there were knowing nods around the bed, though Dumbledore, Hermione and Professor McGonagall looked confused.
"Whatever for, my boy?" Dumbledore asked.
"It's the day my parents were murdered, Headmaster." Harry replied quietly and looks of understanding dawned across their faces. Sirius and Remus appeared solemn as they shared a look – Arcturus just nodded slowly and gripped Harry's shoulder again.
At the very least, there was little to no pain from his injuries now – just a dull ache across his body. The potion Madame Pomfrey had almost forced down his throat as Hermione left seemed to be doing its job.
"Ah, that is understandable. I assume then, that you had sequestered yourself in an unused classroom for the afternoon?"
Harry cringed at the Headmaster's question. "Uh, not quite, Headmaster. I was worked up, and angry and just wanted to get away. I had Clara take me to one of the nearby cliffs with a big boulder on it."
To his left, just behind his head, Clara stood a little taller, as if proud of her helping him break the rules.
"I see – I trust, Mr. Potter, you are aware of the school rules?" Professor McGonagall asked, her voice clipped and her face severe. Harry nodded glumly. "Ten points from Gryffindor for your actions."
"Yes, Professor." He answered, gently running the back of a finger down Hedwig's plumage.
"Minerva…" Arcturus began, his voice shocked.
"Don't Minerva me, Arcturus. There are school rules for a reason – not to mention Mr. Potter skipped his lessons that afternoon. Nobody had seen hide nor hair of him until it was almost too late." Professor McGonagall snapped – Arcturus, to Harry's surprised merely snapped his jaw shut and nodded. Now he was really wary of ever crossing Professor McGonagall.
"Now, Harry… How did you find the Troll? Professor Quirrell told us it was in the Dungeon." Dumbledore asked, his voice startlingly soft compared to Professor McGonagall's clipped tone.
Harry shifted in the bed a little as his eyes darted to Hermione for the briefest of moments. "I was taking a walk – I didn't feel like going to the feast, and I wasn't particularly hungry either, and I hid behind a pillar when I heard it." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I heard Hermione call out when it made a noise by the girls bathroom."
Sirius squeezed his hand from where he had remained seated across from Arcturus. Daphne, Neville, and Tracey were all gripping the bedsheet in their fists beside him.
"As soon as I heard Hermione, I was just going to call it names and get it to chase me – but it went for her instead. I took my bag and coat off and charged in. I took my dagger out of my boot and launched myself on its back."
"That's our boy." Remus and Sirius said at the same time, grinning at one another. Arcturus scoffed and rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You went at it with your dagger?" Neville gasped, his jaw hanging open.
"I just meant for Hermione to make a break for it – she was hiding under the sink by that point." Harry shrugged, wishing he could hide himself under the covers of his bed and never come out again.
"It seems," Professor McGonagall began, "that Miss. Granger hasn't been entirely forthcoming with the events of that night."
Harry winced – he hadn't meant to get Hermione in trouble, and he saw how she was cringing – though she did stand a little taller.
"Five points, from the both of you." Professor McGonagall snapped. She took a breath before continuing. "Twenty points, to Miss. Granger, for her loyalty, and fifty points to you, Mr. Potter. For sheer dumb luck." She nodded at the two students.
The three Gryffindor students all grinned at one another, while the two Slytherin's rolled their eyes. Sirius and Remus chuckled while Arcturus just sighed.
"Harry, what can you tell us about the spells you used on the Troll?" Dumbledore asked, clasping his hands behind his back. Harry noted he had a small frown on his face. Hermione shifted uncomfortably at the foot on the bed.
"I don't know, Professor. It was after I hit my head, and I just remember being so afraid. I haven't been that scared in…"
"It's okay, Harry." Sirius said, lightly squeezing his hand.
"Is there something I should know?" Dumbledore asked, his expression one of concern as he looked at the members of the Black family and Harry.
Harry shifted uncomfortably as images flashed across his vision in short bursts. They cleared after a moment and he could see his guardians sharing a look – Arcturus and Sirius shared a nod between them, while Remus sighed and turned away as he paced a few steps and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Two years ago, we took a trip…" Sirius began slowly. "It was a little while after Harry had met Clara, and we were ambushed on the road. Five of the six accompanying us were killed, while the dozen that ambushed us were all defeated. Clara matured during that fight." He sighed, nodding in the direction of the Phoenix, who leaned forward and nuzzled Harry's cheek.
Harry smiled at the contact and closed his eyes in contentment for a moment. When he opened them, he saw the various reactions of those around the bed.
Dumbledore and McGonagall both looked mortified – he could imagine the horrors they were picturing in their minds.
Hermione appeared shocked, her face pale enough for him to notice she had a slight dusting of freckles on her nose that appeared to usually be hidden by her slightly tanned skin.
Daphne and Neville gripped each other's hands as they shared a look, and Tracey just stared dumbly as her mouth attempted to form the words in her mind.
"My boy…" Dumbledore sighed sadly. He removed his glasses and rubbed a tired hand down his face. "Nobody should be witness to such horrors so young. I am truly sorry."
"What happened to these attackers?" McGonagall asked, her voice quiet as she looked at him with an indecipherable expression. Her hand had travelled to cover her mouth during Sirius's explanation, and for the foreseeable future, it looked like it would remain there.
"All dead." Remus sighed. "They had us at the end. One of them had snuck up on Harry and grabbed him from behind the rock he was behind. Clara matured when she was thrown from his shoulder – she dropped the man onto the road."
"Phoenixes are immensely loyal companions." Dumbledore sighed. Hedwig chose that moment to hop from her position on Harry's chest, to Hermione's shoulder. A wide-eyed Hermione stared at the beautiful owl in amazement. "I fear the same cannot be said for owls." The Headmaster smiled.
A small ripple of quiet chuckles broke the silence while Hermione turned a deep red.
"I'm sorry, I-" She began, but Harry waved her off.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it. I wouldn't go trying it with Clara, though." He smiled, hooking his thumb at the Phoenix.
"I trust," Professor McGonagall began, "that you have received the appropriate care?"
Harry nodded. It was true, he had. Sirius and Remus had talked it through with him many times, and over time he had learned to push it from his mind as best he could. Arcturus had even hired a Mind Healer for him to visit once a week and talk about it with. It had helped immeasurably.
"Would you wish to see a Mind Healer after your ordeal with the Troll?" Dumbledore asked kindly. "It is my responsibility to ensure all the students in my care are suitably looked after. I would hate for you to suffer in silence."
"I… I think I'll be alright, Professor. I remember the exercises." He answered, attempting a polite smile. The Headmaster nodded and smiled in return.
"If you ever feel any different, Harry – just inform either myself or Professor McGonagall." Dumbledore took a moment to look around at the rest of the faces around Harry's bed. "I believe that concludes my business here. Minerva, I do believe we should allow young Harry to catch up on lost time with friends and family."
"Of course, Albus." Professor McGonagall agreed. The two heads of the school inclined their heads politely before making their way from the room.
Once there was more space readily available, his visitors spread out around the bed a little more. Daphne hopped up on the side of the bed and kicked her feet a little as she eyed him.
"You're an idiot, you know that, don't you?"
"Daphne!" Tracey squeaked, swatting her friend on the arm. Neville just chuckled, while Hermione looked on awkwardly.
"It is known, yes." Harry replied with a sigh, rolling his eyes. Remus and Sirius chuckled quietly.
"Good." Daphne nodded, before launching herself at Harry. With no time to prepare he found himself in his first hug from the girl. He knew girls hugged, but he had never really expected one from Daphne of all people – he still remembered the day he had met the girl, and how she had thrown Neville and himself into the dirt. "I'm glad you're okay, Harry."
He patted her awkwardly on the back as he looked around at the others for help. Neville appeared just as shocked as was, so he was no help. Sirius and Remus were too busy staring open-mouthed in equal shock, while Arcturus continued to look on in amusement.
Daphne pulled away and glared at him, "If you tell anyone not in this room about that, I'll hex you into term, Harry Potter."
He nodded as he felt the blood leave his face for a moment. He had no question in his mind as to whether she would follow up on her threat.
Neville was next as he wrapped an arm around Harry, "I'm glad you're alright, Potter."
Harry rolled his eyes and grinned at the boy, "Glad to hear it, Longbottom." Once Neville pulled away, he looked at the five friends at his side. "So, what have I missed?"
Neville informed him of everything Herbology and Gryffindor related – apparently, Harry had earned himself the nickname of Troll Slayer among their house, most notably from the Weasley twins, Fred and George.
The Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin had been postponed due to his injuries, which no doubt had Oliver Wood, the team Captain, chomping at the bit. No doubt he'd be paying for the delay in the match with extra practice and drills.
"That reminds me!" Sirius exclaimed as he sat a little straighter in the chair. "Lispy, can you go back to Blackwall and fetch Harry's gift?"
"Gift?" He asked, stunned. The little Elf disappeared with a small pop, only to return a moment later with a long, neatly wrapped box.
The box itself was easily four feet in length, maybe a little less, and wrapped expertly. The little Elf smiled toothily as she handed it to Sirius, who in turn, handed it to him.
"This was from the three of us," Sirius began, gesturing between the three adults. "We were going to send it to you as a congratulations for making the team. We know first years aren't supposed to have their own, but you get an exception with being the new Gryffindor Seeker."
His Godfather passed him the box, which was shockingly light. The bow was removed carefully and methodically, and he could practically feel Sirius bouncing in his chair. The wrapping paper was made short work of after that, and once the box itself was opened, Harry gasped in surprise.
"It's a Nimbus Two-Thousand!" He whispered breathlessly; his eyes wide as his fingers slowly traced the lines of polished wood on the handle. "Thank you." He said, looking up at the three adults.
"Just make sure you kick Slytherin's arse, Harry." Remus chuckled, earning, and ignoring, glares from the three Slytherin's – two who were current students, and one long since graduated.
"I'll do my best." He grinned in return.
They continued talking for a time, with his friends filling him in on those events or scandals around Hogwarts that he had missed. It seemed all of them, including Tracey, had gone out of their way to make extra notes for him in class, so he wouldn't fall behind.
It seemed that life had continued on while he had been asleep. Even this early in the year, there were those in the upper years who were found in broom closets, and younger years who would attempt to sneak-out past curfew. Hermione had had a number of interesting points to make on the futility and childishness of such actions. Hedwig had remained perched on her shoulder throughout it all, standing as tall and as proud as she could.
It was odd, seeing Hedwig perched on someone's shoulder that wasn't his own – though that hadn't stopped Clara from hopping down onto the pillow next to his head and practically sitting on him.
"Children, would you give the four of us a moment? We have some family business to discuss." Arcturus said after a while, a kind smile on his face. Harry frowned at him.
The four children nodded, and Hermione attempted to coax Hedwig from her shoulder. The owl, whose large yellow eyes had been closed, startled awake with a small flap of her wings before hopping onto the bed. The owl took one look at Clara before she hopped onto Harry's stomach – her talons were not quite as careful as they usually were. He tried not to wince.
His friends filtered out of the room, while Lispy popped away after receiving a nod from Arcturus. Not before patting his leg affectionately, however.
When they were all alone, Harry looked between the adults. Arcturus looked stern, Remus looked amused, while Sirius looked decidedly uncomfortable.
"Tell him." Arcturus said, eyeing his Godfather severely.
"I don't see how now is the appropriate time-" Sirius began, gesturing at the room at large.
"Well, if he faints, at least he's in the Medical Wing." Remus quipped, having taken to standing at the foot of his bed. He threw Harry a playful wink, while Sirius made a rude gesture that would have had Lispy clipping him over the head with a newspaper.
"You seem to be under the impression that you have a choice, Sirius." Arcturus continued as his arms folded over his chest. He looked every bit the powerful wizard that Harry knew him to be.
Sirius scoffed, and Harry eyed him carefully. "It can't be that bad, can it?" Harry asked after a moment.
Sirius grunted quietly and rolled his eyes. "It's actually quite good news, all things considered." He sighed.
"Sirius…" Arcturus said warningly.
"I'm working up to it, damn it." Sirius shot back – Remus continued to snicker.
"What our dear Padfoot is trying to say, is that he's begun courting someone." Moony grinned, wiggling his eyebrows at Harry as Sirius shot him a glare.
Harry's eyebrows shot so far up his forehead; he was surprised they didn't touch his hairline. "Damn, who's the unlucky woman?" He asked after a moment, a smirk on his lips. Sirius flicked him on the nose.
"You have gotten a bit cheekier since you started at Hogwarts." Sirius sighed, running his hands down his face. "You know I always said that you come first, in everything?" He asked after a moment – Harry nodded. "Well, now that you'll be spending the majority of the next seven years in this fine establishment, I have to fulfil my duty to House Black."
Harry looked to Arcturus, who nodded sagely.
"So, you're to have a wife?" Harry asked after a moment. Sirius nodded. "I assume it's one of your Vassals?"
"Actually, it's not." Arcturus chuckled. "A betrothal contract between our House Black and House Bones has been finalised."
"Bones?" Harry asked incredulously. The Bones and the Blacks had never gotten along – in fact, Harry recalled reading a number of times when the two houses had nearly gone to war with one another.
"I knew Amelia at school, and we were… close. During the war, we drifted apart and after, well… My entire focus was on you, pup."
Harry swallowed thickly. "Sirius, we really need to talk about you and your penchant for putting your life on hold for me."
Sirius managed a weak grin and squeezed his hand gently. "Aye, that's the understatement of the decade." Remus chuckled, and Harry grinned.
"So, I assume I'll meet her over the holiday?" Harry asked after a brief pause.
"Aye – I suspect she'll likely be bringing her niece, Susan, with her to stay at Blackwall." Arcturus replied with a smile.
"Does that bother you, Harry?" Sirius asked quietly.
"Of course, it doesn't! I want you to be happy, Sirius."
"Now, there are a few consequences of the betrothal, Harry." Arcturus said as he sat on the edge of his bed and squeezed his shoulder a little.
"Our alliances are gaining the attention from our opposition. This is something I've lectured you on well enough over the years. More attention will be placed on you – you're the key to it all, Harry. Not to mention the smear campaigns we'll likely have to endure in the coming months." Arcturus sighed tiredly.
"House Bones are an old and well-respected family. By tying Amelia to our house, we gain trade agreements, some land deals and not to mention the allegiance of the Head of the D.M.L.E. We'll have access to a powerful voice within the Ministry of Magic. It also helps that she'll make something of Sirius." The Black patriarch winked playfully.
"House Black are the sworn Vassals of House Potter. We already have close ties with House Longbottom and House Greengrass – by bringing House Bones into the fold, we'll have a strong support base for anything you wish to do in the Wizengamot once you come of age." Arcturus smiled at him.
"Until such a time, Sirius will continue to act as your regent – if you have anything you wish us to take before them, simply let us know and we can discuss it and work out the best course of action."
Harry nodded at the man and fought the urge to chew on his lower lip. It was an awful lot of responsibility that had been placed on his shoulders, and a part of him would always second guess and doubt whether he was up to it. At the very least, he would try and make his parents, and his Black family, proud.
"Yes, Arcturus." He murmured.
"We're only an owl, or a Floo call, Harry." Remus smiled at him, his hands behind his back. Harry smiled in return – they were also just a single word away if he used Clara.
As if sensing his thoughts, Clara shifted next to his head and pinned him with an exasperated look with her dark eyes. He scratched her under the chin a little.
"Well, I would think that we should take our leave. Sirius here has a week's worth of work to catch up on after he sat by your bed." Arcturus chuckled, gently cupping Harry's cheek as he stood. "We're very glad you're okay, Harry." In a rare display of affection, Harry watched stunned as Arcturus bent forward and kissed him on his brow.
Remus was next, wrapping an arm around him as best he could and pressed a kiss into his tangled mass of hair. "We're all so very proud of you, Harry. Just don't go scaring us like that again, hm?"
"I solemnly swear I'll not go looking for Mountain Trolls, Moony."
"That's our boy." Remus grinned, patting him on the shoulder as he pulled away.
Sirius was last, holding him for the longest time. "I'm so very, very proud of you Harry. Your parents would be too."
The two of them were quiet for a moment, simply content to hold each other and quietly sniff and blink away the tears that threatened to run down their cheeks. Sirius pulled back and cleared his throat. "Now, don't do anything I wouldn't do," Sirius began, before he paused and frowned. "And don't do anything I would do." He added, causing Harry to chuckle. "Although, I suppose there are some things I'd say you should do." He finished with a wink.
Sirius swept him up in another quick hug. "Also, make sure to tease Daphne about that hug mercilessly."
"Do you want me to end up back in here?" Harry gasped, already imagining all the ways Daphne would exact her revenge. She was ruthless.
"Good point, but if she takes you down, make sure you take her down with you. Marauder Rule number thirteen."
"Yes Padfoot." He sighed, rolling his eyes.
"That's my boy. We'll see you at your Quidditch game." His Godfather added, and Harry noticed him shifting his weight from foot to foot anxiously.
"Sirius?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"Get going." He chuckled, playfully shoving the older man in the direction of the door. Sirius grinned as he moved towards Arcturus and Remus. It wasn't long until he was left in the care of his two familiars.
He looked at them both warily before he sighed. "Okay, which of you wants to berate me first?"
He was to be released into Neville and Hermione's care by Madame Pomfrey shortly after the dinner hour, so as to avoid all of the hustle and bustle of the castle. The Healer had provided him with a loose tunic, a pair of his black breeches and his usual boots for him to get changed into behind a partition.
It had been a slow process, having really not moved for the last two weeks. His joints ached, and his muscles burned but, at the very least, he had been kept clean and otherwise healthy as he recovered in his deep slumber.
He had sported one or two tiny scratches and cuts – tiny little things that didn't even draw any blood, as Clara and Hedwig had nipped and scratched at him for getting himself injured. While they were both very careful normally, both aware of their sharp beaks and talons, that care seemed a distant thought once they were alone.
Hedwig had danced all over his stomach, while Clara had her way with his shoulders. He couldn't fault them – no doubt they weren't allowed into the Medical Wing until he had woken up, and even then it was likely a near thing. It wasn't often that animals were allowed in a hospital environment – no doubt he'd be hearing from Madame Pomfrey at some point if she found any feathers.
The day had long since faded into night, and he sat on the side of his bed by the open window as he was fussed over by a much calmer Hedwig and Clara. When the doors finally opened, revealing his two fellow Gryffindors, Harry grinned. With a gentle push to both birds, he shooed them out of the window and hopped down from the bed, wincing a little as his knees buckled under his weight for a moment.
"Ready to get out of here, Harry?" Neville asked as he stepped up to him and wrapped him in a quick hug. Hermione smiled shyly at him.
"More than ready." He replied excitedly, returning the hug.
"Come one then, Hermione, you take his other arm." His best friend ordered, throwing Harry's left arm over his shoulders, while Hermione ducked under his right. He frowned as he looked between the two of them.
"One of you mind explaining what's going on?"
"Madame Pomfrey said you'll feel exhausted by the time we get to the end of the first corridor after being on your arse-" Neville began.
"Language." Hermione interrupted with a huff.
"- for the last two weeks. Atromphy or something."
"Atrophy." Hermione muttered from his right.
Harry looked between the two of them and noted the easy way they acted around one another with a raised eyebrow. Neville caught his look and chuckled.
"We took shifts sitting with you and did a fair bit of talking between the five of us over those two weeks." Neville grinned. "Hermione and I get on like two peas in a pod."
There was a small snort to his right, and Harry chuckled a little at his friend's expense.
They continued through the castle in a comfortable silence. Harry did his best to support his own weight when he could – particularly on the stairs, but soon found himself exhausted and leaning against the wall.
"Come on, Harry. Just a little further." Neville wheezed – he was doubled over with his hands on his knees. Hermione, by all accounts, seemed utterly unfazed. He fought the urge to scowl at the girl who was leaning casually against the bannister.
"I just… need a minute." Harry groaned, grimacing when his words came out in an almost pitiful whine.
"Honestly, I simply can't understand how you two are so out of shape." Hermione sighed, folding her arms over her chest and crinkling her nose.
"Seriously?" Harry asked, gesturing to himself with a free hand.
"Okay, I can understand you, Harry – but Neville, I mean, really."
"Hey!" Neville grouched, looking up briefly. "I'm carrying me and half of him!"
"And I'm not?" Hermione retorted with an arched brow. Neville cringed a little. "I thought so."
"Alright, I think I'm ready to go again." Harry sighed, pulling himself to his full height. He took a few tentative steps forward, his legs still shaky, before Neville and Hermione ducked under his arms once again. It was an odd position, with Neville being slightly taller than himself, while Hermione was just that little bit shorter.
The rest of the staircases went fairly quickly after that – the three of them more determined than ever to make it back to Gryffindor without any more stops. Harry felt the droplets of sweat that ran down the back of his neck and noted that the collar of his tunic was much darker than that of the rest of the material. He grimaced.
Hermione had a flush to her cheeks, and her breathing was much more laboured than it had been earlier, while Neville looked no better than he felt. As much as he loved Gryffindor, why couldn't they have been on the ground floor?
The Fat Lady had watched their approach with an amused expression on her pale features. "I trust you have learned your lesson, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, yes, no more Mountain Trolls – just open the bloody door, I'm about ready to drop." Harry grouched, his limbs trembling. He hadn't felt this exhausted ever since he had begun his training.
The Fat Lady made a noise of protest before asking for the password.
"Sensibilities." Neville replied, his shoulders lowering a little in relief as the portrait swung open and they could see the Common Room. "Thank Merlin." He muttered, stepping through the hole first and taking the majority of Harry's weight as he followed him through.
"Harry, please don't forget to take that potion Pomfrey gave you before bed. I couldn't do this again."
"Neither could I." Harry agreed as they waited for Hermione to follow them through the doorway – the portrait closing softly behind her with an audible click.
"Let's get you to one of the couches, Harry." Hermione said softly, guiding himself and Neville into the main area – only it wasn't empty as it had first seemed.
"If it isn't the mighty Slayer of Trolls!"
"The Rescuer of Damsels!"
"The one!"
"The only!"
"Harry Potter!"
Harry groaned at the sound of the Weasley twins before the entire room erupted into a cheer. From somewhere in the back of the gathering of students, there was a loud pop as colourful streamers shot through the air.
The noise of his house cheering for him was enough to shake the portraits on the wall as the three of them stood there. Harry tried not to grimace, while it seemed Neville and Hermione were shocked into silence.
There were a trio of stamped beats on the floor before a chorus of voices shouted, "Potter!" It continued in that rhythm for a few moments, with the twins themselves even getting up on a table to lead the chant.
Neville snapped out of the daze first and began tugging him to one of the many armchairs in the room. Students from all the years patted him on the back or the shoulder, offering him their congratulations, until he almost fell into the chair as his legs gave out.
He groaned as his body was almost swallowed by the plush crimson cushions and allowed himself to close his eyes for just a moment. There wasn't a chance he was forgetting that potion tonight. Madame Pomfrey had sent it ahead of him to be placed next to his bed – it was a simple concoction to reverse the effect of atrophy, apparently, but was required to be taken before going to bed as it induced a deep sleep as it rebuilt muscle tissue.
Harry opened his eyes slowly to see the entire Common Room looking at him expectantly. "What?" He blinked.
"What, he says, Fred."
"I know, George – the humility of the Potters lives on in little Harry."
"Stop!" Harry exclaimed, resting his head in his hands. "I could really do without the headache tonight."
The twins blinked before they looked at each other and grinned. "Okay, Harry." They said in unison. He didn't know what was worse, the back and forth they did, or them speaking in unison.
"So, how long until you can hop on that broom that was brought up earlier?" Oliver Wood asked. Harry looked to his Quidditch Captain with exasperation clear on his face.
"I would assume when Pomfrey clears me when I go for my check-up in a few days."
"A few days?" Wood gasped, his face paling. "But we need to practice now!"
"Leave off it, Wood – let Harry rest up." Alicia Spinnet, one of the team's Chasers said, lightly cuffing Wood over the back of the head. Oliver grumbled to himself as he wandered towards one of the side tables.
Oliver Wood had quickly shown himself to be a fanatical Quidditch player after the two of them had been introduced. It had all happened after a strange set of events, if truth be told. It had been right after their first flying lesson with Madame Hooch, and a bushy haired Hufflepuff boy had lost control of his broom.
The boy had been sent flying around the courtyard, as the broom had zipped this way and that. More than once, Harry had found himself buried under Neville's weight as the two of them had leapt in the same direction. The boy, whose name Harry had never learned, had eventually been thrown from the handle and had broken his wrist and dislocated his shoulder.
Once Madame Hooch had rushed the boy to the care of Madame Pomfrey, Draco Malfoy had gotten it into his head to take the boy's wand and hide it on the roof. Harry had torn off after him, having grown up flying a broom around Blackwall. It seemed that the Malfoy heir had also had some experience, as the two of them had zipped beneath archways and around towers until Draco had tried to throw the wand away from him.
Harry had sped past the blonde Slytherin and had to fight the urge to kick the boy from his broom as he did. He hadn't known if it were intentional or not, but the Slytherin had aimed the wand at a nearby window. Harry had barely managed to catch the Hufflepuffs wand before it collided with the glass – no doubt it would have snapped or broken the glass.
Harry had returned to the ground to the cheers of his fellow classmates, while Malfoy had sulkily landed within his small crowd of Slytherin sycophants. The sharp voice of McGonagall had put a halt to the celebrating of the children, and he had turned to his Head of House with a wince.
She had led him through the corridors without saying a word until they had arrived at a large archway that led into a cavernous room filled with display cases. She had taken him before one in particular, and his eyes had zeroed in on the name engraved on the golden pin.
James Charlus Potter, Chaser.
He knew his father had been on the team, but he hadn't yet had the time to seek out the trophy room to look for his father's name. McGonagall's offer of the position of Seeker on the Gryffindor team had come as a complete surprise. He had accepted on the spot. The Deputy Headmistress had put a hand on his back as she guided him further into the castle, at which point she had introduced him to Oliver Wood, who had been only too thrilled to have him on the team. Apparently finding a good Seeker was difficult.
Harry had been introduced properly to the rest of the team a week later at their first practice session. It was there that he had met the three Chasers: Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, and Alicia Spinnet. All seemed friendly enough, and Harry had discovered just how fanatical Wood was when it came to training – after all, Wood had told him to get the Snitch or die trying.
"How are you feeling, Harry?" Angelina asked, her voice soft even amongst the boisterous noise of the Common Room.
"Tired." Harry grumbled, feeling his eyelids grow heavy.
"Why don't you get to bed, Harry? You look like you could do with a decent night." Katie smiled as she poked his arm.
"I've been asleep for two weeks; I think that's more than enough reason to stay awake."
Hermione snorted, "That's a weak excuse and you know it. If you don't get off to bed this instant, I'll have no other choice than to set the twins on you."
He glared at his newest friend. "You wouldn't dare."
"Harry, I don't think she's bluffing." Neville chimed in from the arm he was perched on. Harry watched as Hermione's eyes narrowed dangerously before she began to turn towards the twins.
"Alright, alright, I'm bloody going." Harry grumbled, weakly pushing himself from the chair. Neville stood with him as he threw Harry's arm over his shoulder.
Hermione turned to look at him smugly. "Excellent. Remember to drink that potion, Harry." She nodded before leading the way to across the room where their two staircases split from the Common Room. "I look forward to seeing you in class tomorrow." She smiled before hurrying up the stairs.
Neville sighed from his side as the two of them turned to look at the staircase ahead of them. "Alright Harry, one more set of stairs and we can both sleep like the dead."
"I'll be happy if I never have to see another staircase again." Harry groaned as they began their ascent.
"Should've been sorted into Hufflepuff. I've been telling you this since we were six. Did you listen to me? No, you didn't."
"Hey, I listen!" Harry shot back, wincing as his legs began to tremble half-way up.
"Of course you do, Harry. Whatever helps you sleep at night." Neville grunted.
"You're an arse when you're tired. Definitely not Hufflepuff material."
"And you're a dead weight, what's your point?"
"Bite me, Longbottom."
"Shove it, Potter." Neville snickered as they reached their door, both panting from the effort. "Come on, let's get you to your bed before Clara torches the tower."
"She wouldn't dare – she enjoys the snacks people bring her too much." Harry scoffed as they entered their small shared room of tables and chairs. Neville half carried; half dragged him to his door.
The two of them practically fell through the wooden door as it opened, stumbling the few steps to Harry's bed, where Neville threw him as best he could atop his sheets. Clara squawked from her golden perch, and Hedwig barked from her seat on the window ledge. He turned a questioning look to his best friend, who shrugged.
"We thought she'd prefer it in here rather than the Owlery. You know how fussy she can get."
Harry scoffed as he shuffled back against his pillows. "That's an understatement." Harry turned his head a little to look at his bedside table. His wand sat atop the large piece of folded parchment right next to a brown-grey liquid that sloshed back and forth slowly within a small vial.
"That looks disgusting." Harry grimaced, wrinkling his nose at the thought of having to suffer through it.
"Disgusting it may be, but I swear, if I have to carry you tomorrow, I'll put you back in the Medical Wing myself." Neville groaned, having doubled over to rest his hands on his knees. "Merlin, Harry – I can't do that again."
"Oh, quit your whining, I'll drink the damn potion."
"I'm going to watch you do it, Potter." Neville warned, pointing a finger in his direction.
"You don't trust me? Of all people?" Harry asked, clutching at his heart.
Neville rolled his eyes, "I trust you – I just don't trust Granger not to skin me alive if you forget. I'm acting out of self-preservation."
"Coward." Harry muttered, reaching over and clasping the glass vial in his palm. He pulled the cork free with a pop and threw the contents into his mouth, slamming his eyes shut and screwing up his face at the foul taste. "That's vile!" He choked out between coughs.
"And that's my job done – you can take your own bloody boots off, Harry." Neville laughed as he began to head towards the door.
Either that potion was working quicker than he expected, or he was far more exhausted than he had first realised. By the time he heard the door to his room click shut, Harry found himself falling into a pleasant, dreamless slumber.
