Tests of Trust
Harry entered the parlor with a yawn, and he curled up comfortably on the couch before becoming aware of his surroundings. His eyes widened when he saw Severus standing by the fireplace, pouring a glass of liquor. His teacher had drinks occasionally, but never during a therapy session and never before dinner that he had seen. On top of that, he poured a lot more than he usually did.
This is going to be bad. Silas murmured worriedly.
"Things have gotten complicated." Severus spoke as he took his seat. "But I'll do my best to explain… Black is believed to have kidnapped you from Hogwarts. In truth, I plotted with Lupin and set up Black's escape. While Lupin and I pretended to search for you, we were really mudding the waters."
"But why?" Harry asked nervously.
Severus turned his glass absently in his hands and took a large sip, "I have come to the realization that the Headmaster isn't infallible. I followed him blindly because he gave me a second chance and promised me redemption, but though I accepted his decisions over my life, I could not accept what he was doing to yours."
About time. Silas said smugly.
"What do you mean?" Harry whispered, not at all understanding what his teacher or alter was trying to say.
"He was going to send you back to the Dursley's. I couldn't allow that. Especially after I was sure he understood the consequences of returning to that house."
Silas had become really silent. Harry almost couldn't feel him anymore and that that worried him. He knew something was coming that wasn't going to be good. He drew his knees toward his chest and stared with impossibly wide eyes. Severus couldn't bring himself to look into them. He knew most likely he was about to destroy everything they had built, but he owed it to the boy to explain.
"Harry… When I was young, I joined the Death Eaters." He set his glass aside and revealed his dreadful tattoo. "I was weak and wanted more strength to prove my worth to the world. I was not prepared for the… extremes the Dark Lord went to. The truth of becoming his servant was nothing as I imagined it would be.
"In a few short months, I ran to the other side, to Dumbledore. He interrogated me and made sure I spoke truth when I claimed to want out. But instead of granting me asylum as I was hoping, he asked me if I would be a spy for him. I agreed thinking I would be able to make up for the wrongs I had committed. That is when I began my studies in psychology and perfected Occlumency – the art of keeping your mind locked away from others. I needed these things to become Dumbledore's spy."
"Why are you telling me this?" Harry asked breathlessly. Silas was still silent, absorbing everything Severus was saying.
"I am aware of the mistake I made in not telling you about Black." Severus said grimly. "I cannot explain your present situation without revealing mine…" He took another long sip, looking anywhere except at the trembling boy across from him. "I trusted in Dumbledore to do what is right. He was fighting against the horrors of the Dark Lord and had defeated the Dark Lord previous. I had no reason to doubt him and every reason to doubt myself.
"The night Demon woke, I brought you, your friends, and Black back to the castle unconscious. Dumbledore was in the infirmary with Professor McGonagall. A few students were injured and Pomfrey was busy. He took us to a separate room and made it into a sickroom. He questioned me there and I told him that the storm was natural and had come in over the forest. I did not deem it wise to inform him of this alter's power. He released me to tend to the Slytherins and to sleep.
"The next night, Dumbledore came to me in my rooms. He questioned me directly about your mood swings in November and the truth behind your many detentions. It seems Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley told him about your odd behavior in the Shack." Severus took another sip from his drink. "At this point, I saw no reason to outright lie to the man. I was uncertain of my motivations in concealing it at all. I saw no other recourse. I told him about your condition, but kept him ignorant of your alters besides Silas and Gabriel."
Harry blinked dumbly. He wasn't sure how he felt about the headmaster. He trusted him in a vague way, mostly just grateful to be at Hogwarts. But he definitely didn't want him knowing that he was mentally unstable. Would Dumbledore expel him? Separate him from his friends? Take him from Gryffindor Tower? Despite his unhappiness at hearing that the headmaster knew, he was shocked by the strength of Silas' anger.
Traitor! He hissed furiously. Unlike Harry, he understood the implications of the powerful, manipulating wizard knowing about them and felt utterly betrayed. This was a thousand times worse than when the Professor kept them in the dark about Black. For three years he had done everything he could to keep their condition secret from the headmaster and it had all been for NOTHING!
Harry was feeling a bit dizzy, but Severus' voice drew him away from the confusing turmoil in his alter. Gabriel waking also helped. His confidence and calm counteracted the Slytherin's boiling emotions and steadied Harry.
Severus voice was deep and unusually rough as he explained; "I knew the Headmaster did not hold your best interest at heart when he said he did not want me to help you heal. I decided then to help you hide from him, but that became more urgent when he met Boy."
"No." Harry's face drained of blood.
"Pomfrey and I convinced him Boy wasn't an alter." Severus quickly reassured "Instead he believes it was a very temporary condition that would be gone forever once you recovered from the dementors' attack. He thinks you were merely trapped in your worst memory. I had hoped that this would delay the headmaster, but he was still determined to take you to the Dursley's, even while you were in such a condition, so Lupin and I helped Black and you escape."
"Why did you tell him about my condition?" Harry asked numbly, repeating Silas' cold words. It seemed that since Harry could hear his two alters, they couldn't come Out like they normally could and therefore couldn't talk for themselves.
"I was not aware of the extent of his callousness toward your life. I honestly believed he would take care of you." Severus answered softly. "Dumbledore has lived a very long time and all his life he has combated evil men, preserving life. But there comes a time when a righteous goal becomes more important than the means to achieve it. I believe Dumbledore has reached this point, and now I know his judgment cannot be trusted."
Harry was too confused to form words, but Silas was insistent so he mouthed the questions his alter was demanding he speak. "If you didn't know why did you hide me last summer? Why did you keep everything secret during school? Why didn't you tell the bastard who Demon really was? What if you're lying and still sit in the old tyrant's pocket?"
"I am not." Severus said firmly, too upset to really notice Harry's odd wording. "I wouldn't, Harry. I want you to get better. I want you to be whole again. I am doing all I can to see to that."
Sure you are. Silas hissed furiously.
"Am I never going back to Hogwarts?" Harry asked shakily.
"You will attend next year. You will just have to be careful."
Silas yelled, What the hell can we do to stop him from using Gabriel?
"How can I be careful when he knows?" Harry asked tearfully, his hand rising to his pounding head.
Hey! I wouldn't let Dumbledore manipulate me! Gabriel protested fiercely. And I'll tell the man so myself!
Idiot! Silas spat furious. A confrontation was the worst thing that could happen! There would be no escaping the nets and strings the old man could spin around them if that were to happen.
"I'm sorry, Harry." Severus held his eyes. He was very disturbed by what he saw in those emerald depths. Harry looked awful and in serious pain, and not the emotional kind either.
I knew he'd betray us. Silas was pissed. He's been a Death Eater all this time. Maybe he's only pretending to help the Light. He might be preparing to sacrifice us to his true master.
Don't be ridiculous. Gabriel growled. You've been against Dumbledore all this time! You should be pleased that Snape's fully working against him to protect us. Not that we need protection from the Headmaster. What can he possible do to us; especially now that we're on guard?
Protect us! Silas laughed unpleasantly. He's handed the bastard our greatest weakness. This could all be Dumbledore's plan. Make us trust sweet Severus and we'll be a good little weapon against evil.
Who's the moron now? Gabriel yelled. Which is it? Snape is on Voldemort's side or Dumbledore's? Make up your damn mind!
Well, it's obvious he's not on ours! That's all I need to know. Silas spat back.
"SHUT UP!" Harry screamed and ran from the room, tears falling from his eyes. He sprinted to his bedroom and slammed the door behind him.
xXxXxXx
Severus stared after him deeply troubled. Something was going on and he was beginning to be suspicious. With a furious yell, he threw his glass against the wall. It shattered. Harry was more vulnerable than ever. He was most definitely not fine if what he suspected was true, and now the boy could no longer trust him.
He sat tiredly, back stiff. He'd have to coach Lupin. Harry couldn't be allowed to continue giving life to his alters. He grimaced. He didn't trust anyone to handle Harry's condition right. The damn Wolf would be walked all over by Silas and the others. But what choice did he have? He couldn't bring anyone else in to help Harry. The teen wouldn't trust a stranger, not for a very long time after this.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?" Sirius ran in the room, blue eyes wild and furious. Remus was right on his heals.
"We had an argument." Severus answered evenly. "He'll require space for a few hours. I recommend you give it to him before you smother him with your dog drool."
"Don't tell me how to treat my godson!" Sirius growled. His whole body vibrated with the need to attack and only Remus' hands on his shoulders prevented him from violent action.
He had been shocked and hurt when he heard all about Harry's first two years at Hogwarts (Severus had asked that Sirius be kept from the truth of Harry's mental condition. Remus had agreed, silently promising himself he'd tell his friend when Sirius became more stable himself.) He couldn't bear to have anything more hurt or upset him. He didn't care what Remus said about Snape being the only one there helping Harry and knowing what was best for him because of it.
Severus strode past the two without another word. He just couldn't handle them just then. Sirius opened his mouth to provoke him, but again Remus stopped him. Sirius spun and glared at his friend. He had missed Moony painfully bad while in Azkaban, but he wouldn't let his friend prevent him from protecting Harry.
"Please, Sirius." Remus pleaded. "Harry is fragile. Don't push him. Let him come to you. Otherwise you might push him away from you forever."
All of Sirius' anger washed away at this thought and was replaced with fear. He'd go insane if Harry hated him. He wouldn't be able to handle it. He also remembered the broken boy he had spent four days with and Moony was certain that it was Snivellus that had helped Harry through that.
"Alright." He promised. "I'll be careful."
"Thank you, Padfoot." Remus hugged the man and Sirius hugged him back just as fiercely. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"You aren't staying for breakfast?" Sirius pouted.
"I can't." Remus smiled. "It's getting late."
"See you." Sirius grinned a lopsided smile.
"See you." Remus agreed and followed in Severus' footsteps. He stepped out the front door and apparated away from a point only a few hours away from London.
Sirius sighed, standing alone in front of the door. He jumped a mile when the elf popped into the space at his side. Sirius glared at it, but the elf didn't even twitch. "Breakfast is served, sir." It spoke rather well for an elf. Sirius wrinkled his face in disgust. Trust Snape to have a cultured house-elf.
xXxXxXx
Harry was so confused. Dumbledore was trying to use him, was willing to hurt him? Why? And where did Snape really stand? What was he suppose to do now? He didn't understand any of it and his head hurt really bad, though his alters had fallen blessedly silent since he had screamed.
Harry, I'm sorry. Silas offered. He was protective of his Host and hated the thought he had pained him unnecessarily.
Gabriel added in a sheepish voice, We won't fight anymore.
Harry nodded, but couldn't speak to them yet. He was huddled in his bed, waiting for his headache to go away. It got better, but it wasn't leaving. Groaning, he rolled onto his back. Silas asked if he were alright and offered to explain why he had gotten so upset. Harry told him to go ahead. Maybe if he understood the pain would stop.
So Silas explained his suspicions that the headmaster had purposely set up the confrontation over the Stone and the fight in the Chamber of Secrets; that the man was just looking for a weapon and believed Gabriel to be exactly what he had been hoping for. Silas told him of his fears that Dumbledore would use them by forcing Gabriel Out to do his bidding, thus getting them hurt or, worse, killed playing in his games of power.
When Harry asked why he would do all this and Gabriel piped up saying he wanted to know this as well, Silas explained the basics of politics and how some people did what they did because they saw it as games of power and would do anything to remain top dog, so to speak. Harry wasn't convinced. He couldn't imagine a mindset like that.
Gabriel could. He knew the thrill of combating, of placing your skill against another's. He knew the thirst to win. But he wasn't sure Dumbledore fell into this category. But until he made his own decision, he was willing to go with Silas. Outnumbered, Harry had no choice but to believe the headmaster had dark motivations.
"Why isn't anyone who they're supposed to be?" He asked sadly. He felt very small and very alone as he fell into an exhausted sleep despite it being barely ten in the morning.
xXxXxXx
Dumbledore was not deluding himself. He knew they had lost the trail. He had no choice and finally contacted the most skilled and loyal of the Order of the Phoenix. It was sooner than he had hoped, but they were needed again. He ordered them to setup patrols. Hopefully they would catch sight of Sirius and Harry and find a fresh trail. The Ministry was incompetent, but the extra eyes looking for Sirius Black helped. Unlike his Order members, he had told them nothing about Harry.
If the Ministry got wind of The-Boy-Who-Lived being abducted from Hogwarts infirmary while he was present, they'd have the ammunition they needed to finally remove him of his position. The School Board was corrupt and chafed under the conditions he had set that kept them in check and had been plotting his removal as the events last year proved. And Fudge would let it happen, too stupid to realize it was evil that was manipulating him. Besides all that, if the public got wind that Harry was missing, they'd panic and Dumbledore would prevent that for as long as possible.
"Headmaster!" Mrs. Weasley cried as the ancient wizard stepped from her floo. "Is anything wrong?"
"No, no." Dumbledore chuckled and smiled cheerfully. "I just came to have a few words with Ron, if that wouldn't be a problem?"
"No, of course not." Mrs. Weasley smiled nervously. "He's outside with his brothers. Is he in trouble?"
"He is safe, Molly." He assured her. "I just have post from Harry for him. I restricted Harry's owl use since Hedwig is so identifiable."
"Oh!" Mrs. Weasley relaxed and went to fetch her son. Ron arrived shortly after and Dumbledore managed to get the boy alone in the living room.
"Headmaster?" Ron frowned.
"Good morning, Ron." Dumbledore smiled. "You are not in trouble. Quite the contrary. I have news, but need to have your word you will not share what I'm about to tell you. Not even with your parents."
"Okay." Ron agreed excitedly. He loved adventure and it was great to know things that his family didn't for once.
"Harry has gone missing. But do not worry. I do not think his life is in danger. If he contacts you, I need you to tell me immediately." Dumbledore explained solemnly.
"Alright." Ron frowned. "Are you sure he's alright?"
"I am." Dumbledore assured. "I think he just ran off to escape his family for a little while."
"Yeah, those Muggles are pretty awful." Ron nodded and accepted the glass orb the headmaster handed to him.
"Just break that if you hear from him." Dumbledore smiled and patted his shoulder. "If you can, find out where he is so that I can send people to fetch him."
"Okay." Ron agreed.
"Thank you, my boy."
Dumbledore said his goodbyes to the family and flooed back to Hogsmead. From there, he apparated toward the Granger's to give Hermione the same instructions he had given Ron. He wondered if he should go to the Longbottom's as well. Harry and Neville seemed to have developed a close relationship. After a minute's thought, he decided not to, certain Harry was closer to Ron and Hermione and would contact them before anyone else.
xXxXxXx
Harry woke and saw that the sun was setting. He rubbed tears from his eyes and frowned. He'd dreamed of Rose again, but unlike Rose he couldn't be as complacent about the Dursley's emotions. It hurt to realize just how right he was when he said his family hated him. There was literally not an ounce of care, compassion, or concern in any of them for him. And the memories of the blazing love for Dudley made that contrast even more painful.
Angry, he slid from his bed. It wasn't fair. Outside he was facing a world suddenly confusing and uncertain and inside he was facing something painful. There was no place for him. Gabriel tried to cheer him up and Silas assured him that they didn't need anyone, but Harry ignored them both.
Omi was happy to see him and served him a large dinner. Harry laughed ruefully, but accepted the 'punishment' for not eating breakfast or lunch. It took him a while to eat it all, but he managed. The little elf was very happy with him and offered to get him desert, but Harry held his over-full stomach and begged a reprieve.
"I will make it and you can eat it when's you are ready for it." Omi offered.
"Thank you, Omi." Harry smiled at him. "Where is Sirius?"
"Here, sir." Omi answered with a frown.
Harry blinked, "Then why didn't he eat with me? Did you tell him dinner was ready?"
"I did, sir." Omi nodded with a hurt look in his eye. "I not neglect Master's guest!"
"No! I didn't think you would!" Harry assured hastily. "I just wondered, is all. Where is he?"
"His room, sir. I will show you."
Harry followed the house-elf upstairs. They turned right toward Severus' room. The convict's room was at the very end of the hall, two doors away from the game room. The elf gestured and Harry approached to knock when he heard a high-pitched whining. Eyes wide, he knocked hard, calling for Sirius to answer him. The whining fell silent, but no one answered. Worried, Harry pushed open the door.
"Sirius?" He called tentatively. "I'm coming in. Are you alright?"
The room was smaller than Harry's, but not by much. It had a bed, dresser, window, and fireplace with a recliner chair in front of it. He couldn't see Sirius anywhere, so he took a few more steps into the room. Movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention and he turned to see a huge black dog curled up in the corner. Harry froze on seeing it. The dog crouched down, staring into his eyes, and its body blurred. Harry cried out and jumped back, eyes wide with fear as he stared at the man now standing in the corner.
"Harry?" Sirius rasped, his face was taunt and his eyes were filled with pain. "Harry? Is that you?"
"Y-y-yeah…" Harry took several deep breaths and managed a shaky smile.
He's an animagus. Silas supplied. A witch or wizard who masters the transformation between human form and intrinsic animal form.
Sirius shook his head and the haunted expression washed away to be replaced with an embarrassed smile, "Sorry about that."
"Are you okay?" Harry asked worriedly.
"Yeah…" Sirius ran his hands through his hair. "It's better when I'm focused on something. Being here… alone… I just… forgot I was free, ya know?"
Harry didn't, but nodded anyway.
"Are you feeling better?" Sirius asked uncomfortably.
"Yeah." Harry blushed, just now realizing that Sirius wouldn't have broken down if he had kept him company. "Why don't I show you around? There's an awesome game room."
"Really?" Sirius looked shocked. "Why would Snivellus have a game room in his house?"
"I don't know." Harry shied away from the subject of Snape as it caused cold anger to radiate from Silas. "Come on."
Sirius followed him to the game room and was delighted with the dueling game where you had to aim at projected enemies with the fake wand. The convict's aim was rather good. Harry played against him and lost every time, but made up for it by kicking Sirius' butt at Snitch Hording.
"Sirs? Would you like to come down for some desert?" Omi appeared a few hours later.
"Sure." Harry smiled. "Thank you, Omi."
Sirius laughed as the little elf flapped his ears in delight before disappearing. The two made their way down to the dinning room and indulged in several pieces of delicious chocolate cake. Omi almost wouldn't let Sirius have any since he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, but Harry convinced him that Sirius would eat properly tomorrow and it would be alright to splurge this once. The elf caved, but only because he was so fond of Harry.
xXxXxXx
The next day Remus arrived for breakfast and said he'd be staying for a few days. Sirius and Harry were both happy about the werewolf's arrival. Harry had fun with Sirius, but the man was unstable and too energetic. It made Harry nervous even though he had fun with the man. And Sirius' feelings of being trapped were growing by the hour and having Moony around would keep him distracted.
Remus smiled and managed to secure Harry a few hours by himself as he entertained the convict. He knew he was supposed to talk to Harry, but really didn't feel up to the task. Just knowing that other people were looking out at Remus from behind Harry's emerald eyes disturbed him. He wanted to help, but knew he was not up for the task. He wanted to have a few more 'lessons' with Severus before he approached Harry about his condition.
The Potions Master was staying at Snape Manor and wouldn't be coming back to the house. Not as long as Harry was there and they were at odds. He had to be within reach of Dumbledore in any case while the search was going on. They couldn't afford to raise the headmaster's suspicions now. Not when they had just about gotten away with the 'kidnapping'.
That night during dinner, Harry asked if he could contact his friends. Remus sadly told him that it wasn't safe. Hedwig could be tracked and Ron and Hermione could possibly tell Dumbledore anything he wrote. Harry protested. He felt fairly confident that if he explained his situation (though he didn't know how he'd do that without telling them about his condition) they would understand and keep his location secret. It wasn't like he even knew his location since the portal-barrier spell transported them to the inside of a house he had never seen the location of.
They aren't trustworthy, Harry. Silas argued.
"They wouldn't tell!" Harry insisted. "They're my friends."
"Harry, they wouldn't mean to betray you." Remus soothed.
Hermione looks up to authority. She would disagree with you hiding from the Headmaster. Silas argued convincingly. Remember how she turned you in about the Firebolt?
"Ron wouldn't. He can keep a secret." Harry said stubbornly, very reluctantly allowing Silas his point.
Unless he was angry. He would not keep your secret then. And he might be mad still about… well, about my attitude toward them in the Shack and the whole Scabbers/Pettigrew thing.
"I have an idea!" Sirius said excitedly, eyes practically glowing. All the external and internal arguments fell silent for him and he grinned in triumph. "We can spell a parchment so that you can write on it and the matching parchment will show what you write and they can write back to you. That way Hedwig only has to take a single trip."
"That doesn't solve the possible danger of Harry's friends revealing the information he writes to the Headmaster." Remus shook his head.
"We can test them!" Sirius crowed. "It will be beautiful! You tell them you're with me in… Egypt or something. Tell them each a different location and Remus will find out if the headmaster sends anyone there to check for us. Then we'll know who kept Harry's secret and who didn't!"
"I don't know…" Remus stalled.
"Come on, Moony! This will be a piece of cake! The Marauder's are back in business!" He whooped and ran from the room, only to run right back and drag Remus after him since he didn't have a wand and needed his friend to spell the parchments. Harry followed happily; glad he could talk to his friends. It would definitely help him keep his mind off things.
It took Sirius and Remus all night to spell the three parchments and their mates. Not only did the two men have to remember all the details such a spelling would need, Remus also wanted to make absolutely sure that only Neville, Ron, and Hermione would be able to read the parchment and that the paper couldn't be used to find them here at Severus' house.
Harry had long ago fallen asleep in a window seat. Books were strewn everywhere around the men. Sirius yelled triumphantly when the parchments worked the way they wanted them too and Remus hit him for being to loud. He could wake Harry! Sirius grinned sheepishly and lifted his godson, carrying him to his room. Remus and Sirius went to bed as well, hoping for at least a few hours rest before Harry had them up.
xXxXxXx
It was just after lunch and the two adults were yawning. Harry was wide awake and excited. The six parchments were sitting in front of him. He took the three and addressed the first to Neville. He wrote a long letter explaining all that had happened on the 6th and what was happening now. Not even Silas could protest, though he wasn't happy about it. It wasn't that he didn't trust Neville; he just thought it unnecessary for anyone to know where they were. Gabriel grumbled that he was paranoid. Harry ignored them. He had learned that sometimes that was just the best way to go.
Ron and Hermione's letter that were harder to write, but Sirius helped him with them. In the end, he wrote:
Dear Ron,
Hey! I just wanted to write and let you know that I'm okay. I don't know if you know or not, but Sirius took me away from the Dursley's. I'm having a blast! We're in Egypt right now and you were right. The pyramids are awesome! I can't write more right now, but write me back using this parchment. The letter will appear on my half. That way we don't have to wait for owls and stuff. Maybe we can decide on a time to write each other so that it will be like talking and we can respond to each other instantly!
Hope your summer's going good,
Harry
P.S. Please don't tell anyone you've heard from me. I really don't want to go back to the Dursley's. You know how bad they are and I'm perfectly safe with Sirius. You know he's innocent.
Hermione's letter was identical except he told her he was in France and that she was right about the Eiffel Tower. He was about to send Hedwig with the three letters when Sirius had another brilliant idea. He thought they shouldn't use Hedwig at all and instead use birds native to the countries Harry was saying he was in. With a sigh, Remus went to fetch one Egyptian and one French bird. But Harry went ahead and sent Hedwig off with Neville's letter. He was too impatient to wait and, really, his best friend wouldn't tell anyone.
Harry watched the match of the parchment he had sent to Neville. Sirius told him it would take a while for Hedwig to find and then fly to the boy, but Harry couldn't help it. He really missed his best friend. Ten minutes went by and then half an hour. Remus arrived with the required birds and they flew off after Harry secured the two letters and gave them their instructions. When he turned back, Harry saw that Neville had written back.
He scoped up the three parchments, yelled his gratitude, and ran up to his room to read Neville's letter in private.
Harry,
Thank you for writing! I was worried even though Remus wrote me a quick note explaining you were fine and with Sirius. But he didn't explain why it was okay you were with him! I mean, as far as I knew, he was still a murderer! I can believe he was innocent all this time. That must have been really, really horrible. And Scabbers was the real murderer! He lived with us for two years at Hogwarts! I don't think I'll ever feel completely safe there again.
I have a lot to tell you. While you were in a coma after the storm, I met a girl. She said she was there to help me and told me I was an Earth-elemental wizard. Crazy huh? I've never even heard of such a thing. But then she introduced me to a boy and he just appeared. I was shocked! They look completely real, she even touched me and she was warm, but they are really phantoms! They said their names are Rowena and Salazar and they developed from the Founder's impressions or something, but they are really Hogwart's itself. You know all those jokes about the castle being alive and moving stairs on purpose? Guess they were right. You believe me, don't you Harry?
I can't believe Dumbledore would want you to go back to the Dursley's even after Professor Snape told him about Silas and Gabriel. That's horrible! I promise I won't tell him where you are or that you're writing to me. I don't know what he's thinking. I'm sorry Professor Snape told him. I'm sure he feels really bad about it now. He must feel as betrayed as you do. You have to be careful with Dumbledore. It scared me to death when Gabriel just charged down there when Ron got attacked and then actually went into the Whomping Willow when he didn't even know what was going on or what could be waiting for him on the other side. I don't want Dumbledore to put you in that kind of situation again, you could be hurt!
Grandmother is calling me. I have to go. I'll be back around nine. Will you be able to talk – write – to me then? This is really cool, Harry. How did you find parchment to do this? I've heard something like it, but Grandmother thought it blank when Hedwig delivered it. I told her that I asked you for parchment since I spilled ink on all of mine. Do you think we'll get to see each other at all during the summer? I hope so.
Neville
You wouldn't have been hurt! Gabriel huffed while Silas smirked, happy Neville saw things his way. I had everything under control. Wanting to knock Silas' smug look from his face he continued, And he also agrees that Snape doesn't mean us harm. It was an accident.
Accident, my ass. Silas sneered, no longer smug. This is the second time he's fucked us over. And you don't care either way! You're just arguing to argue!
"Drop it." Harry ordered them both. "Sy, have you ever heard of this?" He asked pointed to the part where Neville told him about Elemental wizards and the phantoms.
No. Silas frowned. I bet there might be something in the library here. We should check it out.
Harry nodded. He grabbed the three parchments up and took them with him as he went to the library. Silas taught him the charm that would bring him any book that had the key words he said. It took a few tries, but Harry eventually said it right and had only two books floating over to him. One was locked, the other wasn't. Silas encouraged him to break the lock on the book and read that one first, but Harry didn't know how to do that and didn't want to take the time to learn. He instead turned his attention to the book that he had access to.
His search didn't last long, however, when a glance at his parchments showed him Ron had written.
Harry, mate! – I can't believe you just took off! I know Sirius is innocent, but that doesn't mean he's trustworthy! What are you going to do? When will you be back? I know the Dursleys are awful, but we're really worried over here (I am anyway; Mum and the others don't even know you're missing!).
Hey, Ron! Harry wrote back quickly, hoping he was still there.
Harry? Wow! Where did you get this? It's so cool!
Thanks, Sirius made it for me. Harry smiled and listened to Silas' murmurs on what he should write. Listen, Dumbledore will send me back to the Dursleys if he finds me. I'll be back for school, so it's not like I'm ruining my life or anything. Please, Ron. Please don't tell. I've never had an adult to care for me and I'm really happy. I promise we'll write like this a lot, that way you won't have to worry.
But Dumbledore already came by and told me I had to tell him if you contacted me.
Ron, please! Harry bit his lip, waiting for a response.
Alright, alright! Don't get twisted outta shape. I won't tell, but if I get in trouble you really owe me big! This is only 'cause I agree completely that the Dursleys are fat pigs!
Thanks, Ron! Harry smiled happily. He knew he could trust him.
No problem, mate. Ron wrote. I have to go to dinner, so I'll talk to you later. What time?
Tomorrow night before bed. Harry decided.
Alright. Be careful, Harry.
Bye, Ron!
Harry rolled up the parchment, "See, Sy? I told you he wouldn't tell."
For right now. Silas drawled. We don't know how trustworthy he'll be in the future.
Harry shook his head with a bemused smile. Silas was so stubborn! It was a miracle he liked Neville, but Harry was very glad he did. The search for information about Elemental wizards was not goings so well. The book he had found was about wizarding myths. It described wizards and witches turning into their Element and having superhuman powers, like they were half magical creature. Harry shook his head, certain this wasn't Neville.
All myths are based in some truths. Silas told him amused at Harry's reaction. I agree that the book most likely exaggerates Elemental wizard's abilities, but it does at least point to this type of magic being real.
Harry was about to answer when Hermione's parchment began to darken with words.
Harry James Potter! What are you thinking running away! Headmaster Dumbledore is worried sick and he has lots of people out looking for you! I know you don't like being at the Dursley's, but I'm sure if you had asked he would have let you go. Sirius is your godfather after all, but now that you've run away you've proved neither of you can be trusted. Have you forgotten the Dark Lord? It's dangerous out there, Harry!
Hermione, slow down! Harry wrote quickly. I'm alright, really! Sirius can take care of me, he used to be an Auror.
Harry? There was a short pause. What spell did we use to defeat the troll in first year and who cast it?
Ron and a Wingardium Leviosa. Harry wrote confidently.
Harry, where did you get this paper?
Sirius made it for me. I have the mate to yours so that we can see what we each write on it. It's spelled so only we can read them.
Fascinating. Hermione wrote and Harry knew she was sincere. You'll have to show me the spells when I see you again.
I will. Harry promised. Hermione, the Dursleys are awful. I couldn't go back and Sirius is taking real good care of me. We're being real careful and I can write you all the time to let you know I'm okay. Plus I can even do my homework! The Dursleys always locked my things away 'cause they hate anything magic. Including me. You know that! Dumbledore wouldn't have let me go with Sirius, Hermione. Please, don't tell.
Maybe he has good reason not to let you go, Harry. There are a lot of things going on that we don't know about. He's only looking out for us. He wants to keep you safe and running around with a man who's been in prison for twelve years with those horrible dementors… Harry, you have to come home.
Looking out for us? Silas sneered. Do you remember the battle over the Stone and in the Chamber of Secrets?
She wasn't with us in the Chamber. Gabriel offered.
"Be quiet." Harry muttered and wrote, Hermione, I'm asking you as my friend to keep this secret. I need you to trust me that I'm safer (and happier!) here with Sirius than I ever was with my family. I know I've kept a lot from you and Ron, but I didn't know any other way. Please, Hermione.
If it's that bad at home, you need to tell Dumbledore! Harry, I'm sorry. I have to do what I think is right. Even if you get mad at me. Just like with the Firebolt. I love you, Harry. I don't want to see you hurt.
But you were wrong about the Firebolt. There was nothing wrong with it!
But there could have been. Harry, I already told. Before I ever wrote you back. I'm sorry.
She's been writing us to keep us in one place, that bitch! Silas hissed.
"She's just looking out for me." Harry argued tiredly and wrote his goodbye. Hermione, I'll be careful and will see you when school starts. I understand why you thought you had to tell, but I can't write you again. See you, and be careful. This parchment will catch on fire in a minute.
Harry, wait!
But Harry didn't. He lifted his wand and said the words to light the paper on fire. Because his was the master copy, anything he did to it would happy to the other. He watched it burn and sighed. He wished she could have trusted him a little more, but really he didn't blame her. She had no idea of the seriousness of the situation and it was because he hadn't explained anything to her. Maybe he would be brave enough to tell her and Ron when school started again.
Chapter end.
A/N: VOTE! What do you guys think about Ron and Hermione? Should everything work out and they grow close again once they reach Hogwarts, uniting against Dumbledore? Or should Harry keep them at arm's length, maybe even ending their friendship completely with both or only one of them?