Some material is taken from Chapter Eleven: THE BRIBE in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

"Padfoot, are you listening to me?"

Sirius snapped his head in his friend's direction. Remus heaved a loud sigh, starring at his friend with apprehensive eyes.

"Sirius?"

The two Marauders were sitting across from one another in the drawing room at one of the upper levels of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. It was fifteen minutes pass midnight, and the house displayed a very eerie stillness throughout the hallways. Harry was fast asleep (last checked by his Godfather) in Sirius' room, as Ron and Hermione slept in a guest room upstairs across from the drawing room. Remus had remarked to his old friend that perhaps they shouldn't be sleeping in the same room, only resulting to an immense hilarity brought by Sirius. It had been nearly a week since Kreacher the house elf left for his undertaking of retrieving Mundungus Fletcher. His penetrating delay only resulted in Harry's anxiousness to be flourished with the elevated force of discouragement, displeasing an already worried Godfather.

"Harry doesn't need this extra stress, waiting around for that thing..." Sirius would tell the werewolf several times a day. As if the strain of waiting if Kreacher was successful in retrieving Mundungus Fletcher can equivalent the amount of reservations Harry, the Chosen one has on fulfilling the prophecy. The same prophecy Harry only recently enlightened his Godfather with earlier this afternoon. The same prophecy that Sirius was thinking about just now, until his attention was engaged towards Remus.

"Sorry Moony, what did you say?" Sirius asked lightly, averting his friend's worried gaze.

"Sirius, what is it? You've been like this all afternoon." Sirius eyes remained looking at the chest full of all parchments and news paper clippings, at the corner of the room. "Sirius..."

"Did you know about the prophecy Sybill made about Harry?" Sirius asked, not starring at Remus who looked uneasy.

"The one foretelling the birth of a boy who would be capable of defeating the Dark Lord who himself will "mark him as his equal", and that either the boy or Voldemort will ultimately kill the other? Yes, Lily told me."

Sirius finally looked up, looking utterly dazed, "Come again? You've known about this since...since..."

"Since Lily confided in me that afternoon you and James went to Paris for that Auror conference, remember back in April of 1980 was it?" Remus said in an indifferent tone. Sirius still looked taken aback, "Wait, did James..."

"Of course he knew, Sirius...Lily and James found out about it almost as soon as Harry was born. The Order was later informed about it right after your...your..."

"Supposable death, I take it?" Sirius said sulkily. "Why didn't you tell me? Merlin, why didn't James tell me, I'm Harry's Godfather!" Remus exhaled loudly,

"The only reason Lily told me, was because I walked in on her weeping when I went up to check up on her and Harry. James told me countless amount of times that when the two of you were off in Paris, to check on her at least twice a day, regardless of Lily's objections. So, anyways she confided in me about the prophecy, and had me vow to her that I wouldn't utter a single word to anyone."

"But..."

"I'm sure James would have told you since you were their secret keeper and all. It was just a very veiled matter Padfoot. Everyone knew Voldemort was after the Potters, but they didn't know that it was in fact because there was a prophecy made about their own son. According to Lily, James was revolted. He was so miserable and fearful to reveal the insight to anyone that he agonized himself." Sirius seemed to apprehend what his friend was saying as forgotten memories consumed his mind.

"Prongs mate, you've haven't been yourself this past week...what is it? Or have you recently looked in a mirror and realized your nose is the size of the Eiffel Tower?" teased Sirius. James however seemed to have disregarded that comment and continued to stare down at his lap. His hands began to shake slightly, only tallying his friend's concerns. Sirius put his hand on James' shoulder, "James, what's wrong...please, tell me. You know I'd do anything for you."

James shook his head hastily and grinned reluctantly at Sirius who looked vexed, "It's nothing Padfoot, really...I guess I'm a little on the edge these days you know?" Sirius however still wasn't convinced. James promptly thought of something to cease his friend's pressing worries, "What with my best friend risking his life and all for me, of course I'm feeling rotten..."

"James, don't for a second..."

"What if they realize you're my..." James looked around and said in a hushed tone, "my secret keeper." Sirius gently squeezed his shoulder, "Listen to me Mr. Potter; you are my best mate, my brother who's been there for me since the very beginning. I told you the day Harry was born that I will do anything to protect your family...my family. Merlin knows what reason why Voldemort has decided to prey upon you, probably for pissing him off more than once," Sirius sniggered, "but that is besides the point. You are my best mate, and if anything happened to you I would never be able to forgive myself."

"Sirius, I..."

"No," interrupted Sirius lightly, "I know what I'm doing. Please don 't worry about me all right?" James smiled briefly. Sirius patted him on his shoulder, "Okay, so enough sulking around...I'm expecting the Prongs I know to re-inhabit your body." James nodded,

"Listen Padfoot, about Harry..." Sirius turned to look at him with serene eyes,

"Yes, Prongs?" James shook his head,

"Erm, nothing..."

"Come on, what? You've got my attention all rattled up at the mention of my favourite Godson." Sirius said merrily. James snorted,

"Only Godson...it's nothing really. Harry's quite fond of you, which couldn't make me happier...but if he ends up calling you dad by accident, there will be a prank war in Moony's backyard...let's just say you've been warned."

Sirius laughed, "Oh, is that so almighty Potter?"

"Yes, you've heard me...or have those fleas dented your hearing?" James laughed, having almost forgotten about his previous worries. Sirius beamed at him,

"Some things never change do they, James?"

"And they never will, Padfoot."

"Sirius," Remus said stridently, "are you..." Sirius shook his head,

"I'm fine...you're right about James. He would always seem slightly on the edge...he should have told me." Remus gave him a sad smile,

"I know, Sirius...but think of it this way, what would you have done if you were in his position?"Sirius stared at him blankly, and without hesitation or any subsequent thought said,

"Probably the same, actually."

"Some things never change do they, James?"

"And they never will, Padfoot."

Sirius lowered his head, "I miss him, you know...it's been sixteen years, and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. That day that I fell into the veil..." Remus held his breath, starring at him with broad eyes. Sirius never revealed to anyone what took place after he fell into the Death Chamber. Almost immediately Remus remembered Hermione informing him of the sacrifices the one who returns from the limbo would eventually suffer from...but they hadn't a clue what the contents of those sacrifices would be. He hastily shook his head, fleetingly pushing away his abrupt thoughts as Sirius continued speaking in a distinctive low tone.

"It was peculiar, Remus. I was surrounded by darkness, but I could distinctively hear Harry call my name and then your attempts in comforting him."

"You heard us?" Remus asked inaudibly. Sirius bobbed his head lightly,

"It was horrible. I knew everyone had thought my disappearance was fatal. And then almost instantly there was this loud voice that surrounded me. It asked me if I wanted to return, or go to the world of the After Life. Obviously, I wanted to come back. I had to come back, to Harry and you. The voice laughed and said I should have chosen the After Life, and that there were several obstacles I had to go through. I didn't know it would take years to accomplish...in all honestly it seemed like weeks."

Remus was breathing heavily as he listened intently to his friend recounting his experience in a wounded voice. He dreaded asking the question that perturbed his mind, but he needed to know.

"What did you have to do, Sirius? In your father's research it said that the obstacles were traumatizing, making the After Life sough-after."

Sirius face, though already paled became even more ashen looking. His hands commenced to quiver slightly, as his heart beat rammed against the surface of his ears. Remus made a motion to stand up and console his friend, but he made a better judgment call in confining his gesture of friendship thinking that it was best to let Sirius be. Sirius cleared his throat but ceased immediately at the sound of the hallway floor creaking. Sirius groaned in seething at the sight of his Godson standing at the door frame, who gave him an innocuous look. Remus too sighed in slight annoyance. He was eagerly looking forward to Sirius' account on what took place beyond the veil. Remus needed Sirius' testimony to aid in his own research on these sacrifices Sirius may possibly fall casualty to its sufferance.

"So like your father you are, Harry. He too, would have overlooked his injuries and let his curiosity get the best of him." Harry smiled at Sirius' comment.

"It wasn't my curiosity, Sirius...I couldn't sleep." Remus got up abruptly and offered his seat to Harry. He hobbled passed Remus, and sat down gradually on the chair that was across from his Godfather, who raised his eyebrow.

"What happened to not leaving your bed Prongs Junior?"

Harry sighed, "Sirius, I've been in bed for the past week. Honestly, I'm fine...so stop looking at me as if I'm some fragile child."

"He has a point, Padfoot. I think you're over doing it a little bit." Remus said lightly.

"A little bit...he's over doing it a lot..." Before Harry could finish his rant, his scar seared with pain. Harry immediately clamped his hand to his forehead. Sirius was at his side at once, kneeling beside him.

"Your scar is hurting again...I don't like this..." Harry ignored his Godfather, and closed his eyes. Sirius and Remus' calls seemed as if they were coming from somewhere distant. Grunting in pain, Harry slumped over in Sirius' arms.

"Gregorovitch?" said a high, cold voice, "I want Gregorovitch."

"Er wohnt hier nicht mehr!" cried a woman, whose face displayed immense terror. "He no live here! He no live here! I know him not!" The woman backed away down the dark hall, and he Harry followed. His long white fingered hand had drawn his wand. "Where is he?"

"Das weifs ich nicht! He move! I know not, I know not!!" He raised his wand, and the woman screamed. Her two young children came running into the hall. The woman tried to shield them with her arms. There was a flash of green light, and then the screaming ceased.

"Harry! HARRY!"

He opened his eyes; his head was in his Godfather's lap. Sirius was looking down at him with worried filled eyes. He exchanged a grim look with Remus who was at Harry's other side. "Harry, what did you see? You were yelling your head off! I'm surprised you didn't wake Ron and Hermione."

Harry was shaking slightly. He took a deep breath, "Voldemort murdering a woman and her family. He didn't need to. It was Cedric all over again, they were just there..." Sirius tightened his hold on his Godson.

"Harry," Remus said quietly, "you aren't supposed to let this happen. Dumbledore wanted you to use Occlumency! He thought this connection was dangerous – Voldemort can use it. He already has..."

"What do you mean he already has, Remus?" Sirius asked loudly. But Harry spoke before Remus clarified.

"I thought he was torturing you and had you at the Department of Mysteries...that's why we went there, I thought...and then you di-" Sirius was aghast.

"What good is it to watch him kill and torture, how can it help?" Remus asked lightly.

"Because it means I know what he's doing," said Harry loudly, regaining the voice he lost while admitting he fell for Voldemort's trap that led to Sirius falling beyond the veil.

"Harry," Sirius said gently, "you're supposed to shut him out."

"You know I'm lousy at Occlumency, I never got the hang of it."

"Well, that's understandable with that slime head as your teacher." Sirius said bitterly.

"Sirius is right, Harry. You must shut him out."

"But I'm going to use it." Harry said sternly, ignoring Remus' last comment. "I want to know why he's after Gregorovitch."

"Gregorovitch, the wandmaker?" Remus asked loudly, "Are you sure that's what he said?"

"Yes, he's got Ollivander locked up somewhere. Maybe he thinks Gregorovitch is a better wandmaker, knows more about what it is he's trying to find."

"Ollivander...Harry, what are you talking about?' Sirius asked, looking down at him uncertainly.

"Ollivander is missing, Sirius." Remus said softly. "But Harry, how do you..."

"I saw it," Harry said, answering Remus' enquiry.

"What do you think this means, Remus? Ollivander...Gregorovitch, what is it that he's seeking? A wand?" Sirius asked Remus uneasily. Remus gave him a significant look,

"I don't know, Sirius." A deafening crack echoed the drawing room. Sirius stood up at once, and with Remus' assistance help lifted Harry off the ground, and situated him on the chair Sirius was sitting on previously. They turned to Kreacher who was disentangling himself and bowed low to Sirius,

"Kreacher has returned with Mundungus Fletcher, Master Sirius." Mundungus Fletcher scrambled up and pulled out his wand. Remus was quicker than him, with the help of his werewolf instincts and shouted,

"Expelliarmus!"

He made a motion towards the door when Remus raised his wand and said, "Don't even think about it, Fletcher."

"What?" he bellowed, "Wha've I done? Setting a bleedin' 'ouse-elf on me, what are you playing at, wha've I done, lemme go or..."

"You're not in much of a position to make threats," said Sirius aggressively. Mundungus took a step back in shock.

"Si-Sirius? Is tha you? Blimey mate, I thought you were dead..." He looked at Remus and Harry for some reassurance, however both refrained. "Well, as you can see I haven't died. Anyways, we have a few questions for you."

"Is this about that night we went to get Harry?" Mundungus asked timidly. Sirius glanced at Remus in bewilderment.

"What's he talking about, Remus?" Remus gave him a returning look of his own uncertainty when realization dawned upon him. "We're not enquiring about you backing out, Fletcher."

"I panicked, okay? I never wanted to come along, no offence," Mundungus said, nervously glancing at Harry, "but I never volunteered to die for you, an' that was bleedin' You-Know-Who come flying at me, anyone woulda got outta there, I said all along I didn't wanna do it-"

"What are you talking about?" Sirius asked in an infuriation.

"For your information, none of the rest of us Disapparated," Remus said in an aggravated tone.

"That's because you weren't disguised as bloody Harry Potter!" Mundungus bellowed.

"Can someone please explain to me what the bloody hell is going on?" Sirius was now yelling, seeking for answers. Harry sighed,

"The night that I left Privet Drive, the order leaked a fake trail to the Ministry about the date of my departure. There were Death Eaters patrolling the skies in the general area. There were fourteen of us, and seven Harry Potters."

"What are you talking about?" Sirius asked in confusion.

"Polyjuice potion," Harry answered simply. "Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Fleur and Dung took the potion to look like me. They each had a companion, each heading to different houses. I hated the plan, but I had to go along with it. Anyways, we all eventually ended up at Tonks' parent's house...except for Dung who..."

"Disapparated, you coward." Remus said venomously; the inner wolf inside him was stirring to some extent. Sirius glared at Mundungus, who gulped loudly.

"Sirius...it was bleedin' You-Know-Who and well..."

"So you back out and risk my Godson's safety!" Sirius yelled in a hostile way. Harry got up and made way towards his Godfather, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder,

"Sirius, it doesn't matter...I'm fine now aren't I?" Sirius was still panting heavily but nodded lightly at his Godson's comment. Harry turned from Sirius and glowered his gaze at Mundungus.

"We're not interested in why you ran out on Mad-Eye. We already knew you were an unreliable bit of scum."

"Well then, why the 'ell am I being' unted down by 'ouse-elves? Or is this about them goblets again? I aint' got none of 'em left, or you could have 'em-"

"It's not about the goblets either, although you're getting warmer," said Harry. "Shut up and listen. When you cleaned out this house of anything valuable..."

"Sirius never cared about any of that junk!" Mundungus yelled, interrupting Harry.

"Oh shut up!" Sirius yelled in rage, "Interrupt him again, and I'll wring your filthy neck you devious piece of grime!" Harry looked fiercely at Mundungus, who was starring fearfully at Sirius.

"When you stripped this house of all the valuables you could find," Harry began, "there was a locket...what did you do with it?"

"I sold it? Why was it really valuable?" Mundungus said softly, retorting Remus to snort,

"Wondering whether you should have asked more money for it, Fletcher?"

"More?" said Mundungus. "That wouldn't have been effing difficult...bleedin' gave it awa, di'n i? No choice. She was going to fine me, but fortunately for me took a liking to the locket...I was very lucky selling without a licence for trading in magical artefacts."

"Who was this woman?" asked Harry exchanging a look with his Godfather.

"Dunno, some Ministry hag...little woman. Bow on top of 'er head, she looked like a toad."

Harry gasped.

"Who is it, Harry?"

Harry didn't answer his old Professor right away, but looked down at his hand that bore the words I must not tell lies.

"Harry?" Harry turned to look at Sirius who was looking at him uncertainly.

"Umbridge."

"Dolores Umbridge?" Remus said bitterly in astonishment. "You've got to be joking." Harry remembered Sirius telling him once how much Remus loathed his fifth Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.

"Right, so...can I leave now?"

"Padfoot, he knows about you being alive. I don't think its wise letting him go with that kind of information. We haven't told the Order yet because we thought it would be best them not knowing about your return. It might be dangerous, and Merlin knows I don't trust Mundungus Fletcher more than I trust Severus Snape."

"We could modify his memory?" Harry suggested nonchalantly.

Sirius contemplated what Harry said and nodded firmly at Remus, "Prongs Junior has made an excellent proposal. What do you think, Moony?"

"Wait, no... you can't do that!" Mundungus shouted in desperation.

"Yes, I approve Prongs Junior's proposal Padfoot. Care to do the honours?" Sirius smiled at Remus as he handed him his wand.

"Wait, Sirius no...you can't do this!"

Sirius gave him a look of revulsion as he raised Remus' wand, "This is for risking Harry's safety you bloody bandit. Obliviate!"

Mundungus fell to the floor, with a look of utter mystification. Before uttering any nonsense, Sirius turned to Kreacher who had been standing in the corner of the room since his arrival. "Kreacher, take this scum back to wherever you found him." Harry gave Sirius a piercing look. He talked with Sirius earlier about being nicer to Kreacher, taking what Hermione said about him being loyal to people who are kind to him seriously. "Get him out of my sight, please? There happy, Harry."

Kreacher bowed to Sirius before roughly grabbing Mundungus' cloak and flicking his fingers. With a loud crack they were gone.

"Dolores Umbridge?" Remus said again raucously.

"It has to be her; Mundungus' account fits with her description. I know it's her..." Harry looked down at his hand again, not knowing that Sirius had been watching.

"Why do you keep looking at the back of your hand, Harry?" Harry's heart froze.

"Erm, no reason Sirius." He said hastily, quickly thinking about something to say to change the topic, "So, where do you suppose Kreacher found Mundungus?"

Sirius wasn't fooled. He knew Harry had inherited his father's quick-thinking ability in order to avert the conversation once it took presence of an uncomfortable area. "Hold out your hand, Harry?" Sirius gently grabbed Harry's hand since Harry refrained from lifting it. Remus looked startled at his friend's reaction. Sirius face paled, carefully looking at Harry's hand with distasted horror. Remus walked over to them, and peered over Harry's shoulder, letting out a huff.

"Who did this to you, Harry?" Sirius asked in a very anger-controlled voice. Harry sighed; he had tried avoiding this entire incident. In all honesty he felt slightly uneasy and embarrassed about the whole thing, not trying to admit defeat and weakness. "It doesn't matter, Sirius..."

"It does to me, Harry."

Remus was staggered at how well his friend seemed to be maintaining his fury. "It was Umbridge, in fifth year when she was our Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. She used to give me loads of detentions for speaking about Voldemort's return and said I was lying...so she..."

"Blood quills are illegal." Remus said indignantly glancing at Sirius with wide eyes. Sirius' gaze however was still upon Harry, "I was still around when this happened. Why didn't you tell me, Harry? I remember you telling me about the detentions but...you should have told me."

Harry averted his eyes from him, "I didn't think it was a big deal. I didn't want to seem weak and whine like a child, making anyone think I couldn't handle it...because I could."

"Harry," Sirius said quietly, "You are not weak. What that hag did was vile and cruel and more importantly it was wrong. You didn't deserve that; you shouldn't have gone through with it alone. I'm your Guardian, and I love you. You can tell me anything, and I promise you that I'd never think of you any less." Sirius gently squeezed Harry's shoulder. "Harry, look at me." Green eyes met grey, "You know I'd never judge you, right? You're twice the man than anyone I've ever met...including myself."

Harry shook his head, "I wouldn't say that, Sirius." Remus patted Harry's back,

"I would." Sirius shot him a defiant stare,

"Oh shut up, Moony." Sirius turned to look at his Godson, who had laughed earlier at Remus' mention. "I know, Sirius. I'm sorry; I'm not use to this having a Guardian thing. I mean, I only just got a Guardian before he fell beyond the veil and got stuck in a limbo for two years." Sirius gave him a sad smile,

"You can tell me anything. I'm not going anywhere."

"You can always come to me too, Harry. I trust you know that?" Remus added lightly. Harry smiled at the both of them before nodding. "Thanks."

Sirius sighed, "So...how perverse is the Ministry these days, seeing as we're meant to pay a visit in the near future to get a hold of Slytherin's locket."

"Bet you can't wait to face Dolores, Sirius." Remus sniggered.

"Yes, I am quite keen on facing her, Moony." Harry rolled his eyes, "It's not as easy as walking in her office, and snatching it from her. We'll need a plan. I've got my cloak. We could sneak around the Ministry, find out as much as we can find out about its newly enforced regime and then eventually get the locket."

"Careful planning is in order for this. We'll discuss it in the morning, once we fill Ron and Hermione in with everything." Remus said sharply.

Sirius nodded brusquely before facing Harry, "Right, well...I think it's time that you head..."

"Off to bed?" Harry said in a tone of annoyance, finishing his amused Godfather's sentence. "Yes, it's getting late."

"Fine," Harry said snappily, "only if you promise me that this excessive over protectiveness stops immediately after tonight." Sirius narrowed his eyes with a reluctant grin,

"Fine, but if I see any sign of fatigue or anything, like your scar..."

"Scar pains don't count," Harry said abruptly, "I can't help those, and besides I'm using them as an advantage."

"Harry, you really should try shutting them out..."

"Fine, scar pains don't count," Sirius said, cutting off Remus, "but any strains of your body at all, then I am obliged to intervene." Harry snorted, "Obliged...please, Sirius I am seventeen."

"And, I AM your Godfather," Sirius said with superiority, "Now come on, I'm taking you back to bed."

"Going to tuck me in?" Harry teased. "Yes, yes I am...do you have a problem with that?" Harry gave him an amused expression before shaking his head. "Night, Remus." Harry said to Remus who was still chuckling.

"Night, Harry..." Remus leaned close to him, "Mind your Godfather and his smugness won't you? He's only doing what he thinks is best for you." Harry nodded,

"I know."

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sorry about the delay! I had finals...you know how it is.

Please review! It helps with quick updates.

Take care.