A/N: Staryday pointed out that Dumbledore's compulsion ability is a bit confusing. It is similar to Legimency, but instead of seeing the thoughts/memories of the person, he projects the urge to confide and tell the truth into another's mind. Kinda of like a weak, mental, truth serum. Does this make sense? It is illegal to manipulate the minds of minors through magic because it is believed to have negative effects on a still developing mind (I'm assuming). And, in the sickroom at Hogwarts, Snape was able to project his Occlumency skills inbetween Dumbledore and Neville to block the compulsion and stop Neville from saying anything he shouldn't.
A/N2: Ron and Hermione: The votes were pretty much all over the place. Most people wanted Hermione not to be Harry's friend. A quarter wanted Hermione to be a friend, but not told Harry's secrets. Not every friend has to be as close as a best friend or sibling. Alot more people wanted Ron to remain a friend than those who wanted him at arms-length. Very few people wanted Harry to ditch him all-together.
So... I think about it a bit more. I'm leaning toward keeping them friends, but Neville being closest to Harry. I foresee them having their moments of closeness with Harry, but overall being kept at a distance. Harry most likely will confide in them after-the-fact, if you know what I mean... I'm kinda just going to see where the story takes me on this one.
A/N3: FIVE STARS! I never do this, but I'm making an exception. I highly recommend the story Saving Conner and the Sequel No Mouth But Some Serpent's by Lightning on the Wave. It's a great story and a smooth read! Check it out as soon as you can!
Coming Home
I'm sorry about Hermione. Neville offered that night at nine (ten o'clock where Harry was). Harry had written all about Ron and Hermione's reactions and told him what he had found on Elemental-wizards. I know she thinks she's doing what's right and that makes it even more frustrating. It's like she can't comprehend a right way that's not hers. I'm glad Ron's keeping your secret. I'm not really surprised though. With all his brothers and being one of the youngest, knowing a secret is probably the best feeling in the world.
I told you he isn't trustworthy. As soon as it suits him, he will turn on you. Silas drawled.
You mean you don't think he's keeping my secret because he's my friend? Harry questioned Neville, wondering if Sy was right.
I don't really know, Harry. I mean he's been your friend much longer than he's been mine. I'm not even sure if they are really my friends or just nice to me because you are.
That's not true! Harry protested immediately, not able to stand the thought of his friends treating Neville that way.
Have you seen Professor Snape since you had your fight? He changed the subject.
No. Harry wrote with a frown, ignoring the spike of sharp dislike from Silas. He's staying at Snape Manor in England somewhere so that Dumbledore can get a hold of him when he needs to. He did come by to pick up Remus, but I didn't see him. They're looking for me in Paris right now.
You can't see, but I'm laughing. What do you think they'll do when they don't find you?
I don't know. Wait for another clue, I guess.
Dumbledore will probably go to the Weasley's. Silas murmured. He'll reason that since you wrote Hermione, you would have written Ron as well. This will be the real test.
Harry dutifully conveyed his alter's guess to his friend.
That's not good. Neville wrote. Even if Ron doesn't want to tell he may have to.
What do you mean? Harry frowned.
After the storm, Dumbledore did something when he looked in my eyes. It was like everything got fuzzy and I just started talking about what happened after dinner. I told him about saving Buckbeak (By the way, they still haven't found him.) and almost said Gabriel's name, but the fog in my head lifted a bit and I managed to catch it before I said anything I shouldn't. I was too shocked over everything that had happened to really understand what had happened until much later.
Sounds like a compulsion of some kind. Silas was very unhappy and Harry winced at the icy anger radiating from his alter.
What am I going to do, Neville? He asked, hunching over his paper. Sy and Gabe can't come Out right now, but what if that goes away? What if Dumbledore actually does make Gabriel come Out whenever he wants to?
I would only fight if it was really important! Gabriel protested. I wouldn't get us hurt!
What about with the Stone! If it weren't for Demon we would have been killed. The same with the dementors. You just ran right into the middle of them! Silas growled.
What would you have rather have happened? Voldemort achieving Immortality? Sirius dying? You saw what they were doing! They almost ATE his SOUL!
I don't know, Harry. Neville answered. But what do you mean they can't come Out?
Oh. Harry tried to ignore his alters, but it was hard. The dementors hurt something. I don't really understand it all, but basically I can hear Silas and Gabriel talking in my head. I guess they can't come Out in exchange for this new communication. Boy can still come Out, but he's the only one and he wasn't drained by Demon. Rose and Demon sleep and don't need Out yet, so I'm not sure what will happen with them.
How are you with that? I know Rose was close to merging.
Snape talked to me before I knew about him telling and ever since then I dream about Rose every night. I think I'm starting to understand her better.
That's good. Neville cheered. Well, I'm tired. Goodnight, Harry, Silas, and Gabriel.
Hey! Why am I last? Gabriel demanded.
Moron. Silas muttered.
Goodnight, Neville. Harry smiled. He rolled the parchment up and picked up Ron's. Ron! I wrote to Hermione same as I did you with special parchment. She thinks it's not a good idea that I'm out with Sirius and told Dumbledore where I was. I'm somewhere new now, so don't worry. He hasn't caught us yet, but he might come to your house to ask you questions. Be careful, he might try to compel you to tell him about this parchment and take it away. I know that's really hard to believe he'd do that because compulsion is illegal or whatever, but it doesn't hurt to be careful, right? I'll write again tomorrow to see if he came, I'm going to bed. Harry.
xXxXxXx
Sirius woke to the sound of piano music. He smiled and buried his face into his pillow as memories rose in his mind. Lily had loved to play. Music was a constant in their lives once Lily was introduced to them. He really missed her and wished she could see that her son was following in her footsteps. Harry played beautifully. He was still clumsy at it, but you could hear the potential, the power in his playing.
He jumped out of bed and threw on some clothes, intent on finding his godson. He didn't have to go far. A few rooms down from his own, he found Harry sitting at a beautiful piano. A handful of other instruments lined the walls, but Sirius couldn't name them. He had no interest in music. In fact, even when it was Lily playing, he could never sit still for very long to listen to it.
"Since when did you play piano?" He asked, coming around to sit beside Harry.
The boy looked up at him with sparkling green eyes, "Severus taught me last summer. I've been practicing at school, but haven't played for a few weeks."
"Well, you sound good to me." Sirius ruffled the boy's hair playfully. "You hungry?"
"I'll be down later." Harry promised and turned back to the keys. Sirius shook his head and left his godson to his music.
Harry played all morning, but came down for lunch. Afterward, he and Sirius played together in the game room until dinner. Remus still hadn't come back and Harry felt guilty about his teacher working so hard to help keep him hidden. He went up to bed with a sigh and reached for his parchments. It was time to see what happened with Ron. He only had to wait a few minutes before words started to appear.
Harry, mate, you were right! Dumbledore did come and asked me if you wrote. I didn't tell him anything though and he didn't find my parchment. I think I would have if it weren't for the twins. After I got your message, I decided I needed help. I didn't tell them everything though! Just that you were off with Sirius and that Sirius is innocent. I thought it would be harder to convince them to help and keep it secret, but they agreed instantly. – I asked them why and they said that they didn't trust the Dursleys with you. I think they think that they were hurting you more than just locking you up and not feeding you. Is that true? – Anyway, they made a potion to help against the effects of compulsions so I was able to tell Dumbledore the story we thought up. That I got a letter saying you wrote Hermione and that she told where you were, so that you didn't feel it safe to write your location again, but that you would write occasionally to let me know you were okay. He asked to see this pretend letter, but I said it caught on fire afterward. He left once I promised to tell him the next time you write.
Thank you, Ron. Harry wrote with a smile. That was bloody brilliant. I don't mind that you asked Fred and George for help. I'm just glad they did and are willing to keep it all secret. I'm sorry for putting you in such a position with your family.
Don't worry about it! Ron wrote back and Harry knew he was grinning. I'm sorry about Hermione. As smart as she is, she can be pretty stupid too. But she didn't see you at the Dursleys or the bars on your window. I'm sure she wouldn't tell if she had. Anyway, she wrote me too. I told her I was still talking to her, but that I wouldn't tell her anything about you. She got mad and now she's not talking to me. Can you believe it?
Yeah. That sounds like her. Harry laughed, though sadness filled his eyes. He didn't want to fight with his friends and he felt bad that he was coming between Ron and Hermione.
Don't blame yourself for that. Gabriel said with a grimace. Those two are always fighting whether you give them reason to or not.
I thought you liked them. Silas drawled.
They're alright. They've had my back more than once, but it's stupid to fight for no reason and those two have mastered that ability. They should save their energy for the fights that really matter.
You didn't answer me. Ron wrote suddenly. Are the twins right? Did the Dursleys hurt you?
Harry bit his lip uncertainly and turned to his alters for advice, "Sy? Gabe?"
There are pros and cons to telling him. Silas answered slowly. He might let it slip to someone we don't want to know, but if it becomes well known what our Uncle hurt us, then we might never have to go back. On the other hand, it could raise questions about why we haven't told before now and also alert our enemies to our weaknesses.
I don't know. Gabriel answered. I don't think it really matters all that much, does it?
Moron. Silas snapped.
Harry? You there? Ron wrote and Harry brought his pen back up to the paper.
Yeah. I'm here. Look, I don't like thinking about it. But yeah. My Uncle hurt me. I didn't want anyone to know.
I'm sorry, Harry. I won't tell. I can understand why you didn't say anything, but I wish you told at least 'Mione and me. It must be hard because you're the Boy-Who-Lived and everyone expects you to be strong and pampered.
Yeah. Something like that. Harry wrote in confusion. He was glad Ron had come up with an excuse for him, but he didn't quite understand what his friend was saying. He decided to ignore it. I have to go. Goodnight, Ron, and thanks again.
Goodnight, mate. When can we write again? I want to hear all about what you and Sirius are getting up to.
I don't know. How about every other night, same time?
Sound's good. Be careful.
Bye.
Harry rolled up his parchment and wrote a letter to Neville. His friend must not have been near his parchment because Neville didn't write back. Harry shrugged and rolled over to go to sleep.
xXxXxXx
"Professor Lupin." Mrs. Longbottom said in some surprise.
Remus' head in the green flames smiled at her; "I'm sorry for calling so late. I hope I am not interrupting."
"Not at all. We were just sitting down to supper. Would you care to join us?"
"I would. Thank you." Remus answered and stepped through when the woman backed away to give him room. "How has the summer been?"
"Very fine." Mrs. Longbottom said with prim solemnity. "We saw Frank and Alice the other day."
"Ah." Remus nodded, not sure what to say to that. From his visit in the Longbottom's home over Christmas he had come to realize that Neville's parents were often talked of and to make any show of sympathy or pity was not appreciated. Neville's grandmother and great-uncle saw the two ex-Aurors as heroes and took pride in their sacrifice.
They entered the modestly sized dinning room and Mrs. Longbottom shouted, "Neville! Set another place setting. Professor Lupin will be dinning with us."
Neville jumped at the shout, "Yes, Ma'am. Hello, Professor."
"Good evening, Neville." Remus smiled kindly at the teen and Neville hurried from the room.
"That boy…" Mrs. Longbottom shook her head. "It is a good thing you stopped by. Algie has gone on an outing with a few of his old friends, so we are one short tonight."
"Thank you for having me." Remus took a seat and Neville came back in with a place mat, dishes, and silver wear.
"Put the fork down first, boy!" Mrs. Longbottom said loudly. "How many times do I have to tell you?"
"S-s-sorry, Gran"
"Just sit down." She shook her head with exasperation. "I will get dinner."
"How are you doing, Neville?" Remus asked once they were alone.
"Fine." Neville smiled.
"Did you get Harry's little parchment?"
"How'd you know about that?" Neville stared.
"I helped Sirius make them." Remus laughed.
"Thank you, sir. I'm glad I get to talk to Harry."
"He was just as excited." Remus assured him. "Have you started on your homework?"
"Yes, but Grandmother made me tear up my Charms essay. It wasn't good enough and had too many words crossed out." Neville looked at his lap in embarrassment and shame.
"Here we are." Mrs. Longbottom came back floating several dishes onto the center of the table. "Neville, wait for the Professor to serve himself before taking any."
"Yes, Ma'am." Neville blushed. He knew that, she didn't have to tell him! He wasn't that inconsiderate.
"This smells great." Remus smiled at the older woman and she obliged him by describing in precise detail how each thing was made.
"If only Neville could pay as close attention to his Potions… I always said it was very similar to cooking." She finished.
"Neville only needs to gain a bit more confidence in himself." Remus told her. "He has great instincts, but doubts them."
"Frank had the same." Mrs. Longbottom nodded. "It was what made him such a great Auror. It's a shame Neville doesn't embrace such a gift."
Remus put down his fork and knife as he finished and gave another charming smile, "That brings me to the purpose of my visit."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I was wondering if you'd give Neville permission to come to my place of residence for a week. I'd like to continue tutoring him since we were making such great progress."
"His grades have improved. Thank you for all your help." She smiled. "He's a good boy."
"I agree." Remus winked at Neville and the chubby teen ducked his head to hide his grin.
"I don't see a reason why he shouldn't go with you." She turned to Neville and her voice rose in volume. "Say thank you, Neville, and go pack a bag. Make sure you have enough clean clothes and don't forget all your books. The extra parchment is in my desk drawer, grab a few sheaf's on your way up. And don't pack anything with holes! You are the Longbottom heir! Carry yourself as such!"
"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you! Thank you for inviting me, Professor." Neville grinned happily and ran from the room. Remus chuckled as he heard a loud crash.
"Don't run, Neville!" Mrs. Longbottom shouted. "That boy! I don't know where he gets it from. Neither of his parents was so clumsy and uncoordinated."
"Alice was always a bit shy." Remus offered.
"She was a sweet girl." Mrs. Longbottom nodded. "Let me take your plate."
Remus let her. He knew that it was pointless to protest or offer to help with the clean up. Mrs. Longbottom took it as a personal affront and an insult to her age. He shook his head and waited for the Gryffindor to come back down. He was glad Severus had suggested this. He didn't like the stress Neville was put under when he was at home or the depression that usually followed. In fact, tonight was the first time he had seen Neville so happy inside his home. It would do the boy good to get away for a bit. Mrs. Longbottom loved her grandson, but her overbearing and rigid manner was doing more harm than good for Neville's frayed nerves and non-existent self-worth.
xXxXxXx
Harry woke the next morning to find a quick note from Neville explaining that he would be at Snape Manor all week with Professor Snape learning how to meditate. Neville also wrote that Professor Snape didn't look well and that maybe Harry should talk to him.
No way. Silas said immediately.
Don't be stupid. Gabriel argued. Look, you're the one who wanted Snape to be told about us. You're the one who said he was the only one who could be trusted to help us.
This just proves that we shouldn't trust anyone. I don't think you realize just how dangerous it is for others to know about our condition.
That's bull. Gabriel glared. We are strong and powerful. We aren't helpless, Silas. We can protect ourselves.
We shouldn't put ourselves in a situation where we need to defend ourselves. Silas snapped back. Not only could you be put in a situation where you felt you had to go run off and fight, getting us killed, but what happens if someone decides to try and lock one of us Out? Harry would get very sick. Not to mention our condition would deteriorate. And what about when people who think they know what's best for Harry find out and send him to St. Mungo's, put him in a white padded room, and/or give him drugs. That's not what he needs; it would only make things worse. Then there's the chance someone might want to do studies and experiments on us. Should I go on? Professor Snape has left us open to such attacks when he very well KNEW I didn't want anyone else to know.
Gabriel and Harry had nothing to say to that. Harry wrote a quick note to his best friend to let him know he got the message, but didn't say anything about Snape. He thought it best to just avoid mentioning his teacher all together. Gabriel was against avoiding confrontation, but he had nothing to combat Silas' triad with, so he kept his peace sullenly.
Remus came back that morning and confirmed Neville's new location. Harry thanked him and asked if it were possible for him to see Neville once in a while. Remus said he'd ask Severus. Harry said nothing to that and went to play with his godfather. That night, after dinner, Remus pulled Harry into the parlor. He looked calm, but Silas' sharp mind caught his nervousness, though the alter deemed it wise not to inform his host just yet.
"Harry. I was wondering how things are with you. Have you had any more… ummm… slips?"
Harry looked up at his teacher and began to fidget. He trusted Remus and liked him, but it felt… wrong… talking to him about his condition. It just wasn't the same, so he decided not to mention the change in being able to talk to his alters. Or in their not being able to come Out like normal.
"No. No slips." He smiled. "I feel fine."
"Good." Remus smiled and sat next to him on the couch. "How are you coming along in understanding Rose? Do you want to talk about it?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably, "I dream about her sometimes. She… is nice."
"And?" Remus coaxed. "How do you feel about her?"
Harry grimaced. It was obvious his teacher didn't know what he was doing, but that he was sincere in wanting to help. How could he tell Remus what he felt and saw when he dreamed of Rose? How would his teacher react? Would he judge? Would he get angry? Feel pity? He didn't want Remus to look at him any different or treat him differently like he was doing now. Remus was acting like Harry was breakable or fragile. It made him feel that way when he didn't before.
"I don't want to talk about this." He finally said.
Remus looked upset, but nodded. Harry quickly ran from the room. He hoped that was the last session Remus tried to have with him. He missed Severus. Silas guessed what his host was thinking and again made his protest against Snape. Gabriel yelled back that he was being paranoid and unreasonable. Harry told them both to shut up and locked himself into the music room to play.
That was another thing that had changed from the summer. Neither Sirius nor Remus respected the closed door rule. Both men would knock and enter without waiting for a reply. Sirius often wouldn't even knock. Harry didn't like it at all. Especially since both men often invaded his room, but couldn't bring himself to protest out-loud. Not when Sirius so obviously needed attention and company.
Twice more Remus tried to get Harry to talk about what he was feeling and thinking about his condition and alters, but Harry avoided him and made excuses to leave the room. He felt bad that he was hurting his teacher's feelings, but he could also tell that Remus was relieved and that reinforced his decision not to talk about what was happening inside his head.
Wednesday morning came and Remus left, summoned by Dumbledore to resume the search. They had found another lead. Harry had no idea what they found since he hadn't done anything, but didn't really care. He was more worried about Sirius. The man was pacing the house and was often going back and forth from his human and animal form. It didn't seem like he had any control over it. It got worse without Remus there.
"Harry…" Sirius said as he opened the teen's bedroom door. He padded across the floor and sat gingerly on the bed. Harry was writing on his parchment to Neville, but he put it to the side when his godfather entered. "I was wondering… Would you like to get out of here for a few days? I mean, we've been cooped up in here for almost a week. Why don't we go and have some fun? We'll be back before anyone notices."
Harry bit his lip. He was use to his godfather coming up with wild ideas at a moment's notice, but this was far and away the craziest. Sirius was excited. His blue eyes were alive and there was more life to him than Harry had seen in a while. He was glad at this improvement, but wasn't sure leaving the house was such a good idea.
"How will we get back? I don't even know where we are." Harry said.
"I can apparate us back here from that muggle town with the Inn we stayed at." Sirius promised. "Come on, kid. It will be fun. It will do us good. I swear nothing will happen. We'll be back before you know it."
It would get you away from Remus for a few days. Gabriel pointed out. And we know how to defend ourselves. We can always come back if anything happens.
We can defend ourselves, but Harry can't. Silas reminded. We can't come Out to protect him, remember? And if anything goes wrong where we have to get back here fast, we might lead trouble to the front door and this place wouldn't be a hideout anymore.
I'm bored out of my mind and you are too. Gabriel argued. Come on. We'll be fine!
Silas said nothing to this and Harry took that to be consent. He smiled at his godfather and nodded. It would be nice to get away for a while. Remus was making him increasingly uncomfortable and Sirius' anxiety was catching. Not to mention he was as bored as his alters. Sirius whooped and hugged his godson excitedly. He ran around packing their bags and rambling about all the fun they were going to have. Harry watched all the activity with an amused smile. This was going to be fun.
xXxXxXx
Severus glared at the werewolf sitting on the couch on the other side of the room. He couldn't speak, he was so angry. He was furious that the Wolf was getting no results with getting through to Harry. He was the last one Harry could talk about his condition with and Remus was sitting there whining that Harry didn't want to talk and he was afraid he'd say something wrong.
"I won't repeat myself again." Severus growled. "Harry's condition is deteriorating. He needs to be forced to confront what's going on inside of him."
"Why don't you go talk to him?" Remus pleaded. "Severus…"
"NO! We've already DISCUSSED this!" Severus bellowed and turned his back, trying to calm his anger. When he turned back, he spoke at a more reasonable volume. "He doesn't trust me. Without trust, I can do nothing to help him. You are the only one who can so get it together and help that child!"
Remus stood stiffly, body achy due to the upcoming full moon. Severus sneered, but said nothing as the man flooed to the Leaky Cauldron and from there he'd find a discreet place where he could apparate to the house Harry and Sirius were staying at. To keep the house as hidden as possible it was not hooked up to the floo network and an anti-apparation ward came into effect as soon as you stepped inside.
He turned and collapsed into his chair, summoning a stiff drink into his hand. A migraine was building behind his eyes. He remembered Harry's reaction in the parlor when he had told him of Dumbledore's knowledge. He's eyes had gotten distant, one slender hand rising to clutch at his hair, and then that screamed plea for silence. But Severus hadn't been talking for several minutes. The only thing he could conclude was that the noise was coming from within Harry's head.
If Harry was hearing the "voices" of his alters, that was a large step backward in his recovery. It was imperative someone talk to the boy, help him get through this. On top of that, Boy needed to be let Out and gentled, Rose needed to be merged, and Silas and Gabriel needed to be put back into their place.
And the only one available to do this was balking and stalling because of his own weaknesses and fears. It was intolerable. Severus couldn't wait any longer for the Wolf to do what was necessary. He'd have to consider bringing in a muggle professional. He winced, imagining Harry's reaction to him telling yet another person about his condition.
"Professor Snape?" Neville asked, coming to stand in the doorway in his pajamas. "I heard yelling. Is everything alright?"
Severus looked up at the Gryffindor. Neville saw that his face was blank and tired. Dark circles lay under his eyes and his hair curtained his face creating shadows that made him look all the more frightening. Neville frowned and came into the room hesitantly. Spending three days with the Professor had been enough for him to lose his fear of the man in general, but had done nothing about his fear of the man's anger.
"I am fine. Go back to sleep. We have a lesson early in the morning, if you recall." He sneered and sipped from his drink.
"A-alright." Neville stuttered nervously. He had too many bad experiences with people when they were drunk, but at the same time he couldn't leave his teacher looking so upset. "I-if you're w-worried about Harry… H-he's doing a-alright."
Severus stared at the chubby boy, a light burning in his eyes that made the Gryffindor swallow hard. "How would you know how Harry is?"
"I-I-I…" Neville took a deep breath. "I've been writing to him, sir."
"I see." Severus looked away toward the fire. "Go to sleep, Longbottom."
"Yes, sir." Neville hurried from the room. He wished he could do more. He knew Harry missed Snape as much as Snape wished he could be there for Harry. They were both being stubborn in his opinion.
xXxXxXx
Remus flooed into Snape Manor around eight o'clock the next morning. He looked frantic when he burst into the dinning room where Neville and Severus were having breakfast. Both he and Neville had been up for several hours and had just finished a lesson in meditation. Severus jumped to his feet when Remus entered with his wand drawn, but he put it away as soon as he recognized the werewolf.
"They're gone!" Remus cried.
"What!" Severus yelled, relief banished instantly.
"They're not there! I searched the whole house, Sirius and Harry are gone!"
"When did they leave?" Severus snarled.
"I don't know." Remus shook his head. "I was gone all day yesterday, as you know, and got back late. I figured they were sleeping and went to bed without checking on them. They could have left anytime between yesterday morning and now."
"That damn mutt!" Severus strode from the room. Remus followed along with Neville. "Where would he have taken Harry?"
"I don't know." Remus ran his hands through his hair. "Really, I don't."
"And you, Longbottom? Has Harry written you?" Severus stared at the boy, daring him to lie.
"N-n-no, sir. He wrote to me after dinner and he was still at the house then." Neville answered quickly.
"Lupin, I am scheduled to join the Order's search party. You go out and look for them on your own. Go anywhere you remember Black liking. I'll keep my eyes open and try to divert the Order should they find a sign of the imbeciles." Severus stepped into the floo and was gone.
"Does he know about your parchment?" Remus asked the boy.
"No. Only that I write to Harry and he writes back." Neville answered. "I'll try and get a hold of him that way."
"Good." Remus smiled. "Try and convince him to come back. It's too dangerous for them to be out and about with so many people looking for them. Let's just hope that if they are found it is the Order and not the Ministry or the Death Eaters that do it."
Neville paled and nodded. Remus flooed away and the Gryffindor ran up to his room and the parchment. He wrote on it frantically, but there was no answer. Neville bit his lip and hoped his friend was alright.
xXxXxXx
"Are you ready for this?" Sirius asked excitedly. He was practically bouncing around the small teen.
Harry laughed and grabbed his godfather's hand in an effort to still him, "Yeah!"
"Good! I remember coming here with James. We had such a good time!" Sirius filled his lungs with the summer air and lifted his face to allow the morning sun to fall on it.
It felt so good to be outside. He was very sick of being trapped in that house. He opened his eyes and grinned in delight as he looked over the lines to get into Disneyland Paris. Roller coasters could be seen in the distance and the crowds were happily shouting and shoving. Yes, this was going to be awesome.
It took an half an hour to actually get into the park, but then Harry and Sirius were running. They ran from ride to ride, game to game. Harry won a stuffed animal at the water gun game and Sirius won one at the one where you hit the pad and if you hit it hard enough it rang the bell at the top. They rode every roller coaster until they felt they were going to be sick. They ate nothing good for them and everything bad. They were one of the last people to leave the park and both of them were wearing new shirts that had the park's logo on them.
"That was great!" Harry said with a happy yawn.
"Did you doubt me?" Sirius laughed and tugged on the boy's hand. "Let's go to a movie! Muggle movies are so funny!"
"I'm kinda tired." Harry yawned again. "Maybe we should go back to the hotel room."
"Come on! You don't have to do anything in a theatre, just sit there!"
"Alright." Harry gave in with a smile and allowed his godfather to pull him into an alley and apperate him away.
The movie they went to was called Speed and starred Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Harry had hoped to be able to sleep through it, but it was so action packed that he couldn't. He was on the edge of his seat almost the entire time, gasping along with the rest of the audience as the story unfolded.
Sirius wanted to go midnight bowling afterward, but Harry could hardly keep his eyes open. Sirius gave in and apparated them back to the hotel room. Harry was asleep before he ever hit the pillow and was yanked from sleep much too soon by icy water falling on him. The shock, the pain was so sudden that Boy responded.
Sirius laughed as his godson shot up with a gasp, but the humor left him in a rush when Harry scrambled back against the headboard and huddled their shivering. "Oh no." He said gently. "Harry, it's alright. Don't be afraid. I was just goofing you. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Please, Harry."
Boy whimpered when Sirius approached, so the man backed off while Harry sat rocking and crying, cold from the water and wondering with fearful anticipation what would come next. The fear didn't go away when the man left and a dog stood in its place, but he could at least think a bit. He looked around, pushing vainly at the dog as it licked his face. There. He crawled over to the door and pulled. It led to a very small bathroom. It was good enough. He curled up under the sink, shivering.
It took Sirius half an hour to coax Harry out of his fit. Harry crawled out from under the sink and blinked with confused green eyes. Sirius morphed back into a human and pretended like nothing had happened. That made the teen relax and, really, he didn't want to think about it. Instead he threw the boy a bathing suit and raced him to the hotel pool.
They swam for a couple hours before their empty stomachs made them leave the wonderfully cool water. They walked around until they found a restaurant they could both agree on and went in. Sirius had a steak with a baked potato and Harry a fish sandwich with fries. Afterward, Sirius took him to the zoo.
Harry laughed every time his godfather turned into Padfoot when no one was looking. He'd bark until the animals got wound up and turn back to a human. The zoo workers would come running and demand to know which way the dog went and Sirius would shrug innocently and say he hadn't seen a dog. It was hilarious.
"Come on, Harry. I know just the thing to do." Sirius grabbed Harry's hand as they left the zoo and apparated.
Harry stumbled a bit and looked around. They were… in London? He frowned, but relaxed when Sirius turned to him and winked. They walked down the city street and turned into the Leaky Cauldron.
This is not a good idea. Silas said. Harry, get out of there! Someone will recognize you!
"Ummm… Sirius? I don't think we should..."
"Trust me." Sirius grinned and he hunched his shoulders and walked through the pub. Harry tried to hide behind his godfather, but could feel the eyes of the other patrons. Sirius was tapping on the brick wall with the wand Remus gave him when three people ran out of the pub and began firing Stun spells.
Sirius laughed and apparated Harry away. Harry looked around frantically. They were now in the country somewhere. His heart was still racing from the brief battle. "Come on!" Sirius called and took off running for some trees. Harry ran after, afraid something had gone terribly wrong. His hands shook and all he could think of was that he was in deep trouble. So when Sirius jumped into the branches of the first tree and began chuckling happily, he was very confused.
"What's going on?" Harry panted.
"We're playing Hide and Seek. Shhh…" Sirius grinned and ruffled his hair. Harry just stared at him.
And I thought no one could be dumber than Gabriel. Silas sneered.
Someone's coming. Gabriel answered grimly, desperately needing Out to defend them.
Harry's vision blurred with the strength of his headache. He couldn't tell who it was that apparated into the clearing they had landed in, but they didn't seem friendly. They were casting many spells that Harry didn't recognize. When they calmed, Sirius let out a loud laugh and grabbed Harry, apparating again.
They played this game with the Aurors three times more before Harry begged his godfather to stop. Sirius reluctantly complied and agreed to take Harry back to their hotel in France. They apparated just inside the French border and then continued on by foot and taxi so the Aurors wouldn't be able to follow them.
It was late when they finally got back, but Harry couldn't sleep easy despite being tired. Every time he was about to fall asleep, he'd jerk away afraid he had heard that pop of apparation and he was going to be taken away. He lay curled on his side, tense and listening to his godfather's snores. Sirius' laughter still rang in his head.
Harry, we've had fun. It's time to go back to the house. Silas said softly.
No way! We're having a good time! Gabriel argued. Sirius won't do that again. He knows better now.
It doesn't matter. That was too close. We should go back. We're not safe out here. They will find us eventually.
What would we be going back to? An empty house and a restless godfather? Why should we?
Harry curled tighter and whispered, "I miss Severus."
Harry… Silas said darkly.
"No." Harry said as tears burned his eyes. His chest felt funny and memories were rising in his mind. They were sharp and painfully sweet. Unknown to him, Silas and Gabriel were watching Rose's door in the soul room disappear. Harry had finally accepted love. "Don't you remember all he's done?
"He helped me with everything. He threw me my first birthday party and watched me open my gifts. He even got me a present, so did Omi. He took care of me and no one has done that before. He made sure I was okay and gave me space when I needed it and made me face the world when I needed that. He taught me how to play piano and spelled it so I could wear it close to me always. If it weren't for Severus, I'd never have faced Lockhart! He and Remus bought me my Firebolt and he always protected me, made me feel safe.
"I want Severus back."
There was no answer, but Harry didn't notice. He was too preoccupied with the new memories. He remembered the hours he spent cleaning, cooking, serving his Aunt's guests. He knew what it was like to be deaf. He remembered the lessons in etiquette. Remembered how much he wanted to make his family happy, and knew exactly how much his family hated him. It hurt. Why couldn't they love him? He had done everything he could… Why did they hate him so very much?
He wanted Severus more than ever. His teacher had become important to him and Harry needed him. He needed to tell him how he felt, tell him what he remembered. He needed his teacher to help him understand and put it all in perspective. Needed Severus to remind him that something wasn't wrong with him, that he wasn't a freak. He needed to know someone cared about him and wanted to protect him. Sirius was fun, but he was too unpredictable to rely on and too manic to trust that he would make sure nothing bad would happen.
Harry was still awake when Sirius woke up. He felt the man become more aware. Felt Sirius' confusion and then excitement. It filled the air with sheer colors and Harry was mesmerized by how familiar and at the same time how new it felt. Sirius saw he was up and began talking quickly about what they would do that day.
"Sirius…" Harry hesitated. He could see and feel how brittle his godfather's emotions were. He didn't want to hurt him or make him worse, but couldn't go along with this anymore. "I've had a great time, but I think it's time to go back. I'm sure they know we're gone by now and are really worried. Maybe we can come back later."
"But Harry…" Sirius whined, giving the teen puppy eyes.
Harry winced as he saw the truth. Sirius wasn't playing. He really was afraid of going back. He couldn't stand being locked away. He could barely hold the darkness away there. Harry fidgeted with his shirt and turned his eyes to the floor submissively. He wanted to make Sirius happy. But he didn't want Remus and Severus to worry either. And he missed Severus. He wanted to go home.
Sirius watched his godson and sighed. He reigned in his own wishes. He knew they needed to go back. Fun couldn't last forever and Harry really looked upset. He couldn't do that to his godson. So he smiled and heaved a dramatic sigh, "Alright, kiddo! One more dip in the pool and we'll go back. Deal?"
Harry looked up with a smile. His green eyes shone with gratitude and an understanding that had Sirius turning away in embarrassment. "Deal." He stood and grabbed his godfather's hand.
Chapter end.
A/N: I repeat: FIVE STARS! I highly recommend the story Saving Conner and the Sequel No Mouth But Some Serpent's by Lightning on the Wave. It's a great story and a smooth read! Check it out as soon as you can!
A/N2: I am undecided about the happenings of the rest of the summer. Is there anything specifically you would like to see (besides Q. World Cup; that will be in there regardless)? Or should I just summerize and hurry on to the next school year? Let me know your opinions please!