"Let me get this straight...Uncle Orion's research is responsible for bringing Sirius back? Tonks asked aloud, gaping with broad eyes at her husband, Remus John Lupin. Ron and Hermione, who were sitting across from her in the kitchen of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, shared a significant look before Hermione nodded,
"Yes, without his thorough research, we would never have been able to do it. It was by fortune's chance that I came upon it. I was just searching the room for..." Ron stridently cleared his throat. Hermione's eyes widened in dismay as she hastily mumbled something inaudibly. Remus raised an eyebrow,
"What, sorry I didn't catch that last bit?" Hermione's heart quickened in pace but she was spared by Remus' piercing gaze when Sirius entered the kitchen. To his left was Harry, whose arm was around Sirius' neck for support. Remus gave him a questioning look regarding their delay when Sirius just shook his head and mouthed the words, "Not now."
Remus nodded, "Harry, why don't you take my seat?" He stood up immediately. Harry smiled at him as he helped him sit down, with Sirius at his side.
"I still can't believe it was Uncle Orion's research. He must be turning in his grave." Tonks sniggered. Hermione looked confused,
"Why do you say that?"
"My father would have gone mad knowing his research saved my life. He'd rather I died a thousand deaths." Sirius said bitterly. He sat down on the counter facing the table; Remus walked up beside him and squeezed his friend's shoulder, who was still looking pungent.
"Don't contemplate too much about your father, Sirius." Sirius made a gagging sound before speaking,
"What are you nuts? I've stopped worrying about getting into my father's good books since I was sixteen...well, now that I think about it, I've never even made an attempt to get in his good books." Tonks gave him a small smile,
"It's not important anyways, is it? And besides, all that's important now is to realize that only the commendable members of the Black family remain today."
"Excluding the Lestranges and the Malfoys of course." Harry said with an irritable look. Sirius beamed at him, "Well said, Harry! You've inherited my old and long time running prejudice." Remus snorted, "I think it's been inherited a while ago if I am correct Harry?" He smiled at Harry who nodded with a broad grin. Remus shook his head, "Is that really something to be proud of, Padfoot?"
"Yes," said Tonks firmly winking at Remus who rolled his eyes at her. "You're more like Sirius than I thought." Sirius mockingly glared at him, "And what's wrong with that? I would hold your tongue Moony, before your unborn child accedes additional Black family genes and heredity."
Hermione sprung from her chair with a deafening cry, beaming at Tonks who chuckled with a slight blush at her reaction. "You're having a baby!?"
"Oh, wow congratulations!" Ron said ogling from Tonks to Remus who like his wife reddened to some extent. "Yeah, congratulations Remus and Tonks! This is really great news." Harry said genuinely. Remus and Tonks shared a distinctive gaze. Tonks nodded at him with a smile, and Remus cleared his throat loudly looking directly at Harry,
"Actually Harry, Dora and I were wondering...well." He gave an uneasy look at Sirius, who looked uncertainly back at his friend. Turning his gaze back upon Harry, he said firmly, "You'll be Godfather?"
"M- me? stammered Harry.
"You, yes, of course –Dora quite agrees." Remus starred back at Tonks who nodded, her eyes gleaming with happiness.
"I – yeah – blimey -" Remus gave Harry a tight embrace. Harry held back a wince, not wanting to ruin the moment as his body throbbed slightly.
Sirius was hastily looking through the cupboards, and groaned in annoyance when the shelves were bare and grimy. "Kreacher!" he shouted. With a sudden crack Kreacher appeared in the middle of the kitchen. He shrieked at the sight of Sirius, who repulsed at the sight of the mucky rag covering his scruffy limbs. "You – you're alive?" Sirius looked apprehensive at this comment, but gave it no importance.
"We need a bottle of wine and let me see," he started counting from Harry all the way to Tonks, "six glasses." With a reluctant, courteous nod, Kreacher flicked his fingers and a bottle of white wine along with six sparkling glasses appeared on top of the counter behind Sirius.
"Thank you, you may go." Sirius said in an indifferent tone as he removed the cork and started pouring the wine. Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration (law of wizarding physics) states what powers magic has to create or destroy matter. There are five Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law; food being one of them, in this case wine falls under that category. Only house elves have the magic to deny the law of Gamp. Ron went up to assist him, handing out glasses that now contained a first-rate wine. Sirius turned around; with a broad smile he raised his glass,
"To Tonks and Remus, and Lupin Junior! And of course, let's not forget Godfather Harry!" he winked expressly at his Godson who was overwhelmed with emotions.
"To you too cousin!" Tonks said expressively, raising her glass that contained water instead of wine, Remus made sure of that. "Welcome back Sirius, you were greatly missed." Remus walked up to Sirius and gave him a one arm embrace,
"We really missed you, Padfoot." After a moment the two Marauders released each other. Sirius shook his head, "Okay, okay enough with all the sentiments." Remus chortled, "Nice one Padfoot."
"So, do you know the sex of the baby?" Hermione asked Tonks. Remus turned to Sirius,
"Erm, Sirius can I have a word?" He nodded, and led the way to the hallway near the front door. "No, we want it to be a surprise." Sirius heard Tonks say as they vacated the kitchen. He turned to look at Remus, who seemed slightly anxious. "Listen Sirius, I hope you didn't mind me appointing Harry as Godfather." Sirius was taken aback, "No, no of course not why would you..."
"I remember us talking about Godfathers once Harry was born, after you were appointed his Godfather. I wanted James to be my child's Godfather, but of course after he died and I found out about your innocence, I immediately thought of you. But after you d-died I considered Harry, since he is James' son, so it was only natural that I thought of him...however now that you're back, I didn't think it would be..."
"Remus, Remus...you don't have to explain anything. I'm not mad about you appointing Harry as your child's Godfather, I couldn't be happier...I can only just imagine how happy this would have made James. Besides, I can't be named Godfather twice."
Remus gave him a vague glance, only resulting in Sirius to heave a loud sigh, "You know Moony, for someone who's seemingly wise, you can be quite daft sometimes. Don't you know me at all?"
"Yeah, you're right Sirius. I just thought that maybe..."
"You know, if I ever had a child...you'd be named Godfather." Remus gave him a hesitant smile, "Really?"
Sirius nodded, "Yep, but don't get your hopes up too high...No woman would want to hook up with an escaped convict." Remus laughed merrily, "You'd be surprised, Sirius..."
"Harry!"
Sirius' insides turned bitter cold. Without a subsequent thought, Sirius dashed into the kitchen followed closely by Remus. Tonks was bent over Harry, who was thrashing on the floor uncontrollably. Ron's face was aghast, as memories of torturing Harry overflowed his mind. Hermione looked helplessly at Sirius who looked timid, as he tried to seize Harry in control. "Remus, Remus! Help me hold him down!" Harry's piercing yell filled the kitchen. His body was half raised off the floor, as if it was being lifted by some concealed force. Sirius exclaimed in alarm at the sight of his Godson's limp body that was no longer gulping of air.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sirius was pacing frantically in the hallway, every so often glancing at the closed door. The closed door was concealing his Godson, who was being treated by Tonks. After her initial shock, Tonks immediately took action in treating her cousin's Godson. She was trained by a Healer in her extensive Auror training. Ron and Hermione remained in the kitchen with Remus who looked grim. Ron's hands commenced shaking, as Hermione was eyeing Remus, who kept on glancing at the stairs as if he heard someone descending them. Hermione gently grasped Ron's hand, who didn't even take notice.
Remus exhaled loudly, starring directly at Hermione, "Is there anything else you can tell me about these Death Chambers?"
Hermione considered the question that was being addressed to her and shook her head, "We've told you everything." Remus frowned, "What about the individual who had to seek permission, whilst being tortured?" Ron flinched. Hermione squeezed his hand before answering, "There was nothing specifically. There were only mentions about sacrifices..."
"What kind of sacrifices?" Remus asked; his eyes were broad. "There weren't any sacrifices in regards to the one being tortured," Ron flinched again, as Hermione continued, "but there were sacrifices mentioned about the one who would return back to the world of the living." Remus grimaced, but before further enquiring Tonks entered the kitchen. The three of them were so deeply engaged in the conversation, except for Ron who was consumed by his own thoughts; they had not even heard Tonks heavy footsteps descending the stairs. Remus stood up at once,
"How is he?"
"He's going to be okay, there's no need to worry." Remus pulled up a chair, and helped his wife assemble down upon it.
"What's wrong with him?" Ron said in a hushed tone. Tonks sighed,
"Well, it's difficult to say. How long was Harry under the Cruciatus curse?" Hermione was about to answer, when Ron beat her to it, "Ten minutes maybe."
Tonks considered what Ron said before answering, "It's known that sometimes when under a considerable amount of pain, there can be after affects that can equate the initial pain or damage to the body. It's my best guess that this is just one of those after affects. Harry is still very weak. His body is exhausted and therefore more vulnerable to these after affects." She paused briefly before continuing, "Hermione, do you think I can borrow the research on these Death Chambers. There might be something useful in there in regards to Harry's condition." Hermione nodded, and took leave to retrieve Orion Black's investigation on Death Chambers. Tonks placed her head against Remus' chest and exhaled loudly. Remus wrapped his arms around her; his hands were upon the slight bump at her stomach.
"You okay?" he asked her lightly, "Where's Sirius?"
"I'm fine, and Sirius is where else...he almost knocked me over when I opened the door." Remus glanced at Ron, "How are you doing Ron?"
"Fine," he mumbled not looking directly at him. Hermione returned with the large package of parchments in her hands. With a loud thud, she placed it in front of Tonks who didn't wait a single moment before opening it hastily, examining each parchment attentively. Remus was reading it from behind her shoulders. Hermione took her seat beside Ron, and gave him a small smile, "Hey, it's going to be okay. Harry's fine." Ron avoided her sympathetic gaze. He already felt guilty enough about the entire situation, and didn't need Hermione's sympathies. But he knew she meant no harm.
She placed her hand in his, and smiled when Ron gently squeezed it back reassuring that he was fine, and just needed some time to digest everything. He was still being haunted by memories of Harry crying aloud in pain. He shivered slightly.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sirius was starring upon his Godson whose face was exceptionally pale. Sighing loudly, he lightly grasped his hand, and flinched at its icy touch. Sirius began to feel the panic preparing to take flight within his body, when he remembered Tonks' assurance that cold hands were to be expected. Harry's body was exceedingly exhausted. His blood flow was frail. The blood that left his extremities to keep his main organs secure was returning back gradually. So Sirius knew that in time he would be able to hold his Godson's temperate hand.
He shook his head at the thoughts of the conversation he had with Harry almost an hour ago. Harry had recounted his knowledge on horcruxes and that the defeat of all seven would be the downfall of Tom Riddle – Voldemort. Sirius recalled his shock when Harry described the events of his six year at Hogwarts, accompanying Dumbledore on his missions to locate the remaining horcruxes. So far, one had been destroyed: The ring of Marvolo Gaunt, which was destroyed by Dumbledore. Harry had depicted his frustrations with Sirius about the fake locket of Salazar Slytherin they went to retrieve from the seaside cave.
"He died for nothing, Sirius. It was a fake."
He remembered Harry reading the note that was found in the fake locket.
"To the Dark Lord,
I know I will be dead long before you read this but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret. I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match you will be mortal once more.
- R.A.B."
"R.A.B," Sirius said aloud, "R.A.B that couldn't be..." He gasped so loudly, he quickly looked down at Harry to see if he woke him. Sirius knew it was him; he didn't even re-evaluate his conclusion. He could recall at once all those times his brother wrote down his initials on spare bits of parchments in their study, and how he thought it would be amusing if he was nicknamed "Rab".
"It can be my nickname and my full name at the same time!"
Regulus Arcturus Black: pure-blood wizard, the son of Orion and Walburga Black, and the younger brother of him, Sirius Black. Regulus joined Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters, then panicked and tried to back out. Sirius could feel his insides beginning to shake, against his repugnance. "You fool, Regulus. How did you ever end up so soft enough to believe their pure-blood mania?"
"S-Sirius?"
Sirius jumped slightly in surprise seeing his Godson's vibrant green eyes looking up at him in uncertainly. "Harry, how are you feeling?" Harry's eyebrows furrowed,
"I feel fine but little tired I guess. Sorry." Sirius grimaced,
"Why are you apologizing, Harry? What happened wasn't your fault. We just need to make sure it doesn't happen again. So that means no more excursions around the house." Harry was about to say something when Sirius shook his head, knowing exactly what he would say, "No Harry, I don't care if you say you're fine. You should have been in bed ever since I discovered you unconscious that day in the basement."
"But what about the horcruxes... we got to get a move on Sirius."
Sirius stared blankly back at Harry. He had almost forgotten about the breakthrough corroboration he made with R.A.B being his younger brother at the moment Harry had awoken. "Sirius, what is it?" He shook his head hastily,
"Nothing, I'll tell you when your strength returns."
"No Sirius," Harry said with a touch of annoyance, "What is it? Does it have anything to do with the horcruxes? And about the horcruxes, you didn't tell Remus or Tonks anything right?"
"No," Sirius said solemnly, "Nothing, yet...listen Harry, I think I know who R.A.B is."
You WHAT?" said Harry breathlessly, "Who?"
"My brother," Sirius said despondently. Harry's eyes widened,
"You mean Regulus? Are you sure, Sirius?" Sirius nodded firmly,
"Yes, I'm positive. Regulus was a Death Eater, Harry. I've told you this before. His initials were R.A.B, Regulus Arcturus Black. He got in so far, then panicked about what he was being asked to do and tried to back out. I just didn't realize how far in he was."
Harry detected a hint of sadness in his Godfather's voice. He stared up at him, and was taken back at his expression. He had never seen his Godfather look like that before; he seemed as if he was almost ashamed of himself. "Do you know what this means if he stole the Horcrux... Regulus turned against him in hopes of making him mortal so he could be defeated. He turned against Vol-" But he couldn't finish the sentence; his voice was already shaking so severely. Harry squeezed his hand, and to Sirius' delight the absent warmth from his hand had returned. Sirius was about to express his worries about his Godson's health, pushing back unpleasant memories of his brother, before Harry said sympathetically,
"It's okay to feel the way you do about your brother, Sirius."
Sirius held his breath, as Harry continued on speaking in a soft tone, "Don't blame yourself for being angry with him in the past." Sirius was stunned. How did Harry know that that was exactly what he was thinking? Sirius did feel bad about being angry with his brother. He almost hated himself for being repulsed at his brother's foolish actions, and loathed him for trying to put him down in the eyes of his parents. Regulus was after all by this new discovery a brave and daring wizard, who died in attempts to bring the Dark Lord down. Yes, perhaps he was a fool and deeply influenced by his pure-blood mania parents, but he was his younger brother who turned out to be quite the valiant wizard.
Sirius sighed, "I really hated him once. I was ashamed to have a brother like him, heavily influenced by my parents who I loathed, turn traitor by becoming a Death Eater."
"But at the end he realized that he was wrong, made a bad judgment call and tried to bring him down. That's a pretty bold move, Sirius. He truly is your brother, and that says a lot."
Sirius' insides went cold with remorse for his brother, as he smiled at his Godson, "Thank you, Harry. That means a lot. I hope he knows that I'm proud of him." Harry moved closer to his Godfather, who put his arm gently around his shoulders. "I wonder where the locket is now." Sirius said softly.
"It could still be somewhere in the house. Regulus has a room here right? We could check it, or try summoning it."
"True," he said greatly considering Harry's answer, "but, we'll look for it later. You need your rest, Harry." Harry groaned in exasperation,
"Sirius, I feel fine. We need to make a plan...and about telling Remus and Tonks. Listen, I trust them both but the only reason I told you is because you practically forced me..."
"I'm your Godfather, Harry. You're doing this with my help."
"Yes I know," Harry said firmly, looking up at his Godfather, "but, I am still the one making the calls here. Dumbledore entrusted this to me alone. So please, don't do anything without my confirmation."
Sirius smiled broadly, "All right, all right...I promise I won't. I'm just happy that you trust me enough to recount this mission Dumbledore left you with...even though I would have eventually gotten it out of you, and wouldn't have let you done it without my help."
Harry ignored his last comment, and thought about the one that was made previously, "Of course I trust you, Sirius."
Sirius was about to rant on about how he would have tied Harry down, if he wasn't allowed to help and accompany him to defeat the horcruxes when he reflected on the comment Harry had just made. He smiled broadly, and ruffled his Godson's hair, ignoring his groans of complaint and objection.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
"No, there's nothing about after affects or consequences the one being tortured would receive." Tonks said breathlessly, "However, I'm a little worried about the mentions of these sacrifices." She said, starring directly at Remus who returned her concerned look. "There's not much, or any details about what those sacrifices could be, or what consequences could arise...we'll have to look further into this." Tonks nodded, "I think its best that we keep this hidden from Sirius. Let's not bring rise to any unneeded concerns, especially if there really is nothing to worry about."
"What are we worrying about?"
Sirius entered the kitchen. Once again, all four were deeply engaged in the conversation that they didn't even hear him descending the stairs. He raised his hand, as all four immediately stood up to enquire about Harry, "He's fine, just sleeping." They all sighed. Ron who sighed the loudest looked directly at Sirius
"How is he really?"
"He said that he's fine, just really tired. His body aches a little. I told him he wasn't to get out of bed until I've told him otherwise...he wasn't too happy about that." Sirius said with a slight smile, making Remus snigger, "Way to play the role of the mother hen, Padfoot."
Sirius glared at him "Oh shut up, Moony! I can't wait to see you fret around and about your unborn child." He took a seat beside Tonks, who smiled reluctantly back at him. He raised an eyebrow,
"What is it?" Tonks shook her head abruptly,
"Nothing, just worried about Harry. I checked Uncle Orion's research seeing if there was anything at all about possible after affects, but there was nothing." Tonks still looked troubled, only adding on to Sirius' suspicions,
"Is that everything?"
"Yes Padfoot, you're being paranoid for no reason." Remus said firmly, hoping his assertion reduced his friend's arising suspicions. He smirked at Remus, before looking directly at Ron and Hermione who seemed somewhat anxious.
"Earlier today, Harry told me all about the mission Dumbledore left the three of you." Both Ron and Hermione's eyes widened.
"Harry told you?" Remus asked, also with broad eyes. Sirius looked at him apprehensively and nodded briskly, "Yes, but Harry is the one making the calls. So, I'm afraid it's not my place to tell you or, well especially Tonks anything, unless Harry wishes it."
"What do you mean, especially Tonks?!" Tonks bellowed. But before Sirius could answer, Remus put his hand on her shoulder, "Dora, you're pregnant. I forbid you to do anything in this condition. It's best that you don't know." Tonks stared at him in incredulity.
"But, I can help! I can help in a very minor way..." she starred pleadingly at Sirius, who just shrugged his shoulders, "It's not my call, Nymphadora. I promised Harry not to utter a single word about the task without his permission."
"You shouldn't even be here, Dora." Remus said softly.
"Well actually Moony, you shouldn't be here either." Sirius said from behind him. He jumped slightly as Remus turned around rapidly to face him.
"Don't be ridiculous Sirius; of course I'm going to..."
"Leave Tonks home alone, and pregnant on top of that?" Remus gave Sirius a look of utter scepticism. Shaking his head hastily he said, "I left Dora at the care of her parents when I went looking for Harry, Ron and Hermione. I've had intentions of aiding them in the most conventional way for the past week. I felt obliged, and still feel obliged. Even if I didn't come, do you think I will stay indoors in hiding, not contribute at all? There's a war going on. We must all unite."
Sirius nodded sympathetically to his friend, "I know Remus, and I acknowledge what you're saying. I'll have to remind you that it's not up to me. It's up to Harry and by the looks of it...Mrs. Lupin as well." Remus immediately looked at his wife, who was fuming as her hair began changing colors rapidly, just as her eyes had done before.
"Dora please, it's not safe for you to be involved. I know you want to help, and maybe," he glanced back at Sirius, "maybe you can help from your parent's house. We'll discuss all of this with Harry when he wakes up." She was still looking crossed, but nodded absent-mildly as she sat down, assisted by Remus.
"Don't forget Moony," Sirius gave him a significant look before continuing, "whatever Harry says, you must respect his decision." Remus glared at him,
"Easy for you to say Padfoot, I'm sure you forced Harry to tell you." Sirius sniggered, "Maybe I did, and maybe I didn't. What does it matter, I'm his Godfather. Of course I'm going to go with him."
Remus' smile turned grave, "Whatever it was that Dumbledore entrusted Harry with... will it really..."
"Be the downfall of Voldemort, yes I believe so."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Let me know what you think!
Take care,
Opaque Nights xoxoxox
PS – "It's called Taboo." – Ron Weasley