Pretty Boy

Chapter 18

The italics are the memory the normal writing is the conversation Sirius and Remus are having within the pensive.

The Absolute Truth

"How could Dumbledore do that?" snarled Sirius furiously, having just heard the entire conversation in total darkness. Harry didn't once move himself from the darkness, as he heard them talking. The unmistakable sound of Dumbledore and Moody's voice. "The binds' please tell me they've been removed." terror coated Sirius' voice.

"They have." said Remus quietly, "He's learning everything that's been denied to him."

"With who?" asked Sirius still dying of curiosity.

"Shush," said Remus as they were pulled into the next memory. This one was more familiar, he had after all been there for it.

"Albus Dumbledore lied to you Lupin; Harry did not say any of those things Dumbledore implied he did. Harry left the magical world two weeks after the starting feast. Albus has been looking for him ever since, but hasn't as you can see, succeeded." said Severus, gesturing to Harry as if to state the obvious.

"Snape? He's with Snape?! He hates us, he hates Harry!" protested Sirius strongly.

Remus just shook his head, wait until he saw them together and he'd be even more furious. Unfortunately Harry was nineteen years old; he was free to date whoever he liked. Even if he had wanted to control Harry, he couldn't, he wouldn't have denied Harry anything. He seemed happy with Severus, with their attitudes they were perfect for one another. He certainly wouldn't want to be caught in one of their fights.

"Remus! What if he's abusing him?" snapped Sirius ready to do whatever it took to rescue his godson.

"That's a lie," snapped Remus defending the Headmaster, after all the man had done for him, Remus felt he owed him. Which to be fair he did, after all Albus had risked his career as Headmaster to let Remus into Hogwarts. If it had been found out, well needless to say, he'd have been cast out from wizarding society. It wasn't so much to do with the werewolf but rather the danger it posed to the students. There was nothing more important to the magical society than the safety of its children. They were the next generation of magic, and if they didn't survive magic would die out…old pureblood lines would die out also. The lines were extremely important, and the last remaining heir cherished and kept safe as possible, at least until another heir had been born.

Sirius grimaced; it had pretty much been his reaction too. He hated himself for defending the bastard, especially after what he'd done to his godson. Merlin his godson had his magic locked by the old fool. How dare he? He should never have sworn that oath. He narrowed his eyes, vowing to find a way around it, to make his life a living hell. Either that or make Harry remove it, as much as he wanted to kill Dumbledore - he didn't want to risk his magic unless it was necessarily. Such as if Dumbledore truly did pose an immediate threat to Harry.

"Why did you make me swear that bloody oath?" hissed Sirius furious with Remus.

"I was made to as well," said Remus quietly.

"Hmm," was all the irritated Black would say.

"Oh just get rid of him, he's obviously not going to accept the bloody truth." said Harry sighing in irritation.

Sirius' jaw dropped, this was not how he'd imagined his godson all those years. "How long has he known Snape?" he asked with dread, was Harry even going to want a relationship with him?

"A month or so." said Remus wryly, understanding why Sirius was asking.

"I see," said Sirius continuing to look at his godson as if he was the Holy Grail of magical items.

"Despite what you think, we have told only the truth." said Severus, also sighing in apparent irritation. It seemed Harry wasn't warming up to Lupin, a small spiteful part was grateful for it. On the other hand, Lupin would be handy to have on his side, so he needed to get him to see the truth for what it is.

"If that's true," said Remus calmly before turning on Harry walking forward yelling "What on earth were you thinking leaving the safety of Hogwarts you silly boy?! After everything everyone did for you!?" his parents had died for him and this was how he repaid them? He was simply put completely furious.

Harry flinched back, instinctively raising his arm half way before remembering himself. Fisting his hand as he removed it back down, his green eyes flashing dangerously. His magic unconsciously leaching from him in doves. He hated himself for his show of weakness, and wished so badly he could rewind time.

"What the fuck Remus!" snarled Sirius his heart beating through the roof. He had seen Harry's reaction but was more furious with him raising his hand against Harry.

Remus had the grace to look ashamed at his loss of composure. Even worse his words against a child who had been so lost and confused. An eleven year old who'd fled the world thinking he couldn't trust anyone.

"What happened to Lily's little boy?" said Remus, still standing there staring at Harry in numb horror. He wasn't anyone's definition of a stupid man, to flinch like that indicated long term abuse.

"If you ever move as if to strike Harry in any way again, you will find yourself without your hands. That is just for starters, and then I'll show you just what I did as a Death Eater Lupin." snapped Severus glaring angrily at the werewolf. He was furious; he'd never seen Harry react like that, not even after being assaulted. That was the first indication of the abuse he'd seen, other than the scars of course. Harry had never, ever flinched back from him, not even when he'd Apparated unexpectedly into the room. An ache made its way into his heart just seeing Harry react the way he had. He was unable to help his possessive tendencies and hugged him close, giving him the comfort he obviously unconsciously sought.

"I will as well." said Sirius squeaking as he trailed off, he was gaping like an idiot but for the life of himself - he couldn't reign it in. The gesture could be quite innocent, or so he deluded himself. Even he, Sirius, who hated Snape, knew the man quite well. He did not touch people or comfort them period, no exceptions. Still he prayed he wasn't doomed to putting up with Snape to have a relationship with his godson.

"I'm sorry," said Remus, "I'm so sorry, really I am I wouldn't have hurt you I promise."

"Why don't we just sit down." sighed Severus in irritation. "Lupin stop snivelling it's very unbecoming." Harry snorted trying to hide his amusement, his green eyes flashing with merriment.

Severus sat down on Harry's couch, bringing the nineteen year old down with him. The fact he got no protests or witty remarks whatsoever, was an indication how unsettled Harry was. Perhaps he had made a mistake by bringing Lupin back here. He didn't make many mistakes, but when he did, it seemed he made big ones.

Sirius grimaced there goes his theory, innocent his backside. Those touches were not those between friends or even father/son relationship. The possessiveness on Snape's face spoke volumes. He was in love with Harry. "Are they together?" asked Sirius with dread, unable to hold it in anymore.

"Just watch," said Remus as Harry spoke again.

"Why are you here?" asked Harry regarding Remus passively.

"I was one of your parent's best friends," said Remus quietly. Now that he was face to face with him he felt so…unprepared. Caught on the edge of a cliff with no ledge to grab on to.

"That's it? That's all you have to say to me? How disappointing." said Harry.

"I, you used to call me Uncle Moony when you were a child," said Remus, "Or Remy sometimes, your mother used to prefer that to the juvenile names we'd called ourselves as children."

"Then when they died of course you decided to wash your hands of me." said Harry bitterly.

Sirius gulped once more, oh hell, he had a feeling he'd go through the exact same thing. It was going to be hard for them to get to know Harry, when he was so closed off.

"No, I, no, it wasn't like that. I had lost everything that night, everyone. James, Lily, Sirius and even Peter…I was…not in a good way." said Remus.

"Poor you," mocked Harry, "Such a tragedy you suffered, how did you manage to get over it."

Severus stared over at the kitchen, torn between amusement and feeling a small amount of Pity for the werewolf. Yet Harry was entitled to his reactions, he'd been abandoned that night to a family who'd abused him.

"But just in case you missed the memo, I lost everything that night to. My family, my childhood, my innocence and magic." snapped Harry his green eyes flashing dangerously. "So before coming to me with another half arsed excuse, think really hard about it."

"Oh Harry," choked Sirius, tears running down his face. He's failed him in more ways than one. He didn't deserve to be in his life, but deserving or not he'd never give up trying. Harry was his godson, and the only child in his life, he'd loved him so much. He still loved him, nothing would stop it.

"I know you lost everyone as well," croaked Remus sadly, the use of 'lost magic' escaped him completely.

"No excuse? No nothing?" asked Harry bitterly.

"I did try and see you," rushed Remus, "But Dumbledore wouldn't let me."

"Do not mention that bastard in front of me!" hissed Harry, "You accepted his explanation and just left it that of course? You are a pathetic excuse for a man."

"Remus is used to hiding behind his friends, he couldn't stand up to his own shadow never mind Dumbledore." said Severus unleashing his own diatribe against the unsuspecting werewolf.

Remus said nothing, flushing red in mortification and utter embarrassment, mostly because he knew the words spoken were true. Dumbledore may have lied, but it seemed the words were truer than anything the wizard said.

"Just leave." said Harry his consternation evident.

"You know what? Maybe you're right, but I do a lot for the Order, without me you wouldn't have the alliance of the Werewolves! I have more respect there than anywhere else. I was the one that got Sirius to go to Dumbledore's office and demand to see Harry! I was the one that continued looking for him in every possible place that Dumbledore may have had him! Including Moody's residence." said Remus snarling coming back with vengeance sounding more like an angry wolf than a human.

"Here I was thinking you were all bark and no bite," said Harry.

Sirius laughed a little, its true really; Remus was all bark and no bite, even during the full moon. He wondered quietly if Harry knew about Remus' problem, knowing Snape he'd probably already revealed that little detail. Yet Harry seemed to be warming up to him regardless.

Severus smirked; his Harry was back, the one that had a cocky answer for everything.

Remus just looked more confused and shocked, to Remus; Harry's emotions were going back and forth. He didn't know what to make of him at all, or the fact Severus and Harry was so comfortable.

"Now that we have your attention Lupin, we shall continue. Harry was never in Hogwarts for long, he left because he overheard Dumbledore and Moody talking. Dumbledore was speaking about using Harry and pretending to take him under his wing so he could control him. The power Harry had was immense, he bound his magic." said Severus grimly.

"I want to kill him Remus," said Sirius his face a mask of fury with the likes Remus had never seen before.

"I know I want to as well." said Remus.

"It can't be true, I mean Dumbledore cared for Lily and James…." said Remus. He'd never do anything to harm their son; they saw him as a grandfather for Merlin's sake.

"Yes he did, he recognized their potential, did he care for Pettigrew? Like he did the rest of you?" asked Severus calmly, a knowing look in his black eyes.

"Of course he did…I, well, maybe not as much…" said Remus his amber eyes dimming as he began to see the truth in it.

"I didn't even know about my vaults, Dumbledore sent me my Hogwarts supplies. I was never aware that I had any money. Severus explained that to me one night, its law to tell the last remaining heir of their estate and inheritance. He disobeyed the law, he bound my magic for fuck sake what more do you want?"

"He kept his fucking inheritance from him as well?" cursed Sirius. Merlin was there anything Dumbledore hadn't done to his godson?!

"Yes," replied Remus quietly.

"I can't believe this without proof." said Remus overwhelmed.

Harry rolled his eyes, although grudgingly he understood, after all if someone had said something to him, he'd want proof too. Like if it had been about Severus or someone he loved, although Severus was the only one he loved right now. He would have wanted proof otherwise he wouldn't have believed them.

"Yes, heaven forbid its true." sneered Severus but removing his pensive, indicating he'd perhaps foresaw the need for it. He placed it delicately on the table, and let Lupin go in by himself.

"Well it took longer for them to convince you than it did me." said Sirius before they were once again in yet another memory. Same place, same time, presumably after Remus had been in the pensive.

"Guess he's finally realised we are serious." said Harry, rolling his eyes, that's the first thing he said after getting out of a memory? He shook his head sometimes people didn't make sense.

Severus coughed, half amused half exasperated. "He said the name of your godfather." Severus told Harry, banishing the sick, and then the horrible smell that lingered.

"You aren't serious!" said Harry gaping "A name like that?"

"That Sirius, serious pun has been used to death." said Severus rolling his eyes.

"Hey!" cried Sirius at the unfairness. Yet a small smile was twitching at the corner of his lips. His godson was stunning; no doubt he'd had many boyfriends and girlfriends. Too bad he seemed attached to the great bat of the dungeons. "What if Snape is using him?"

"He swore on his magic that he had never or would ever harm Harry physically, mentally or emotional on purpose." said Remus quietly. "He cares."

"I've not used it for years," said Remus still kneeling on the floor, from where he'd landed upon being ejected from the pensive. "Not since Lily and James died."

Hoisting himself up, he sat himself down warily on the only available seat, Severus' seat as it so happens. "What am I going to tell him? He's not going to believe this." said Remus rubbing his eyes tiredly. Feeling suddenly drained from all the information and world shifting perspectives he'd never considered.

"I'd suggest taking him away, to one of the overseas Black properties. Tell Dumbledore you just want to try and get your friend," said Severus his lip curling at the last word, "Better and back to his old self again. Its as simple as that, but you need to be firm, stand up to him when he tries to make you feel bad for abandoning you duties."

"He'll be lucky if I don't kill him," snarled Remus, he couldn't believe it, Dumbledore had locked nearly all of Harry's magic it boggled his mind.

"I'd also suggest you ask during an Order meeting, so as you don't go doing something stupid, as all Gryffindor's like to do." sneered Severus. Evidentially not changing just because Remus was on their side so to speak.

"Do I have properties overseas?" asked Harry curiously.

"Harry should already know all this." sighed Sirius warily. "I knew everything about my inheritance before I even entered Hogwarts."

"You had parents to tell you." replied Remus.

"The Goblins should have!" snapped Sirius angrily.

"They should have, but they didn't get the chance, Dumbledore sent Harry his things and had Moody take him for his wand." said Remus. "Harry thought the school had paid for everything."

"Bloody bastards," scowled Sirius resembling Snape there for a moment, especially with the long greasy hair he'd not washed in about a week.

"I cannot say I do not know what you will receive upon accepting your inheritance." said Severus admittedly. "Lupin however might have a better idea than I do."

"There's Godric's Hollow, Potter Manor in England, a log cabin in Aspen, Colorado, James gave Lily it for their anniversary…she took up skiing. She liked to do something while James was away for days at a time during Auror training." said Remus, "They also have a small house on a private stretch on the Caribbean, next to the one the Black's own."

"Why the fuck did they stay here if they had properties all over the world?" asked Harry his mind whirling in confusion.

"Would you have left your world in a state of war and ran off?" asked Remus, trying to get Harry to see it from their point of view.

"For a child of mine? I'd have run forever, I'd protect the child with every breath I had in my body. Even if it meant running and being seen as a coward." said Harry passionately.

"I tried to tell them to do that, but they talked me into being Secret Keeper instead." said Sirius quietly.

"What you tried to get them to run?" asked Remus surprised.

"Harry was my godson, they were my best friends, and yes I wanted them to run. I'd have rather them alive and happy, away from the war. They were the best parents a child could have asked for, unlike mine. I wanted Harry to grow up away from the war; I don't care about the Prophecy."

"I had no idea." murmured Remus wide eyed.

"They thought they were safe here, hidden under the Fidelus Charm." said Remus quietly; obviously Harry hadn't seen their point of view. He did have a point, but Lily and James hadn't been cowards. They'd stood tall and fought the great fight.

"Yes, but you know what they say about assuming." said Harry, "It just makes an ass out of everyone."

Sirius laughed once again in amusement.

"It does," sighed Remus, he was better of just agreeing with Harry, he seemed to be able to convince someone of anything. A quality that Slytherins were known for.

"How long?" asked Remus, as Harry gestured to the cold coffee, Remus warmed it and immediately began drinking.

Both men just stared blankly, not rising to his question.

"How long have you known him?" asked Remus, this flat looked like something he'd owned. In fact similar to something he had owned until Sirius had gotten released from Azkaban. Why didn't Harry use his fortune? Or live in Potter manor? It's not as if he wasn't at the appropriate age.

"Nearing a month," said Severus immediately.

"Just how close are you?" asked Remus, eyeing them shrewdly.

Severus stared at Harry, indicating he should be the one to reply. Considering Harry was sitting all too comfortably in his arms and in his lap, was a dead give away to it being more than just friends. Yet despite this, Severus held his breath, wondering at Harry's answer and what he thought them to be.

"What's it to you?" asked Harry defensively, not used to people asking about him, or caring for that matter.

"I'm just curious Harry, I didn't mean anything by it, I wasn't prying." said Remus raising his hands up feigning surrender.

"We're together." said Harry simply, not apologizing.

"I thought as much," said Remus, inwardly wincing, Sirius was going to go utterly ape when he learned this. He'd probably have a tougher time accepting Snape than that Dumbledore is evil essentially. One way or another, he had his work cut out explaining everything to Sirius.

"Indeed," intoned Severus, feeling rather smug.

"Smug git." said Sirius, despite the emotionless mask he portrayed he could tell Snape was feeling happy. He just got that look in his eyes, sort of a twinkle like Dumbledore. He'd done everything in school to stop it, which would make things complicated now.

"Can I borrow the pensive and memories? I promise I'll take excellent care of them." promised Remus, knowing just how rare and expensive they were. "They will make telling Sirius so much easier."

"His parents obviously had a sense of humour." snorted Harry still amused.

"They had no sense of humour, the Black's name their kids after stars, his full name is Sirius Orion Black. His brother was Regulus, he has cousins called Narcissa, Bellatrix and Andromeda." said Remus.

"Narcissa? I've not heard of a star called Narcissa," said Harry the others he was familiar with, well maybe not Bellatrix.

"She's Draco Malfoy's mother, if you remember him." said Severus changing the subject.

"Malfoy, yeah I remember him." said Harry. "Vaguely, blonde hair haughty attitude."

"That's the one," said Severus wryly, "Also my godson."

"That explains the attitude then." said Harry wryly.

"I was barely around," said Severus snorting in amusement, "You'll find he got his attitude from his father."

"What is Ron like?" asked Harry curiously.

"Weasley? Unemployed, he wants a job above his grades. His grades were laughable at best; he barely attended any classes during his last two years at Hogwarts. He would have failed them all if it wasn't for Granger's help." said Severus sharply, "He eats like a pig, and moans like a bitch in heat."

"Severus!" laughed Harry finding himself amused by Severus' description of Ronald Weasley.

"He wants to be a Quidditch player or Auror, but he only played one year of Quidditch. He doesn't have the experience to get into any professional Quidditch club." said Remus.

"He failed Potions, one subject that's required to succeed as an Auror." said Severus as an afterthought.

"Why do you need Potions for being an Auror anyway?" asked Harry.

"You need to be able to identify any you find on someone, especially poisons and herbs." said Severus.

"James barely scraped by," said Remus smirking, "He was constantly asking me for help during our last year. He hated the fact Severus here, was able to flawlessly and with ease brew difficult potions."

Severus raised an eyebrow at the news, he had not realized this.

"I am nothing like my father, I am not a substitute either." said Harry seriously, if that's the reason he's there he'd be sorely disappointed sooner or later.

"I know that," said Remus grinning in amusement, it was plenty obvious even for him.

"Good." said Harry glad to have gotten that off his chest.

"How long have you lived here?" asked Remus.

"Nine years," said Harry.

Remus blinked in confusion, "But that would mean you moved here straight away after leaving Hogwarts." said the baffled werewolf.

"He got taken in by someone didn't he?" asked Sirius looking relieved, at least he'd had normal teenage years. His mind trailed to the flinch, to flinch even at the age of nine…what had they done to him? The abuse must have been bad, poor Harry, Merlin he wished he could punch someone, something, anything. He felt so useless and wrenched.

"Yes," said Harry.

"Did someone take you in?" asked Remus grateful for that at least.

"In a manner of speaking." said Harry, "She died a few years later."

"But how have you managed to keep this flat? It's obvious you aren't using the Potter fortune." said Remus digging for more information.

Severus tightened his hold on Harry, making sure he knew Severus didn't mind if he lied or told the truth.

"I worked at night to afford this place." said Harry bluntly, evidently not afraid to admit it.

Remus just stared in confusion.

"Oh, come on…do I really need to spell it out for you?" asked Harry. "I solicited people for money."

"You made enough money begging people outside?" said Remus his eyebrows rose in shock.

Harry thumped his head on Severus exasperated beyond words. Was he really going to have to tell him as bluntly as possible? Really? Jesus the wizard was a clueless arse.

"He didn't beg Lupin, he propositioned them." said Severus.

Remus looked from Severus to Harry then back again his eyes wide. Then the words actually sunk into Remus' mind, his mouth opened with a large O as he finally understood. Oh yes, it was going to be a wonderful holiday trying to get Sirius to accept all this. "Is that how you both met?" he asked without judgemental.

"No," said Severus, "I do not make a habit of going out looking to pay people to sleep with me Lupin regardless of what you may think of me and my looks."

"I never meant it that way," sighed Remus exasperated, those two were completely meant for each other and utterly annoying honestly. They took everything he said and twisted it into their own way of thinking.

"The Death Eaters dropped me off in Muggle London, on the Dark Lord's orders for not complying with his wishes fast enough." said Severus, "I was severely beaten and tortured, I wasn't conscious when they dropped me off. Harry was out that night, and was kind enough to help me. Thankfully otherwise I wouldn't have been liable for my actions at wakening up in a Muggle hospital."

"I didn't realize," said Remus looking at him with concern.

Severus rolled his eyes, Gryffindor's, honestly.

"Sirius are you okay?" asked Remus, he'd been so very quiet.

"No I'm not alright Remus, my godson was abused, had his magic bound, doesn't trust wizards as far as he can throw them and had to become a prostitute to survive…how the hell can I be alright?!" snarled Sirius breathing furiously.

"He survived; he's happy now or as happy as he can be. You'll get your chance at revenge Sirius; they are Slytherin to the core. Snape is planning something, you will get to see them brought down before long." said Remus.

"I hope so Remus, or I won't be responsible for my actions." said Sirius staring out into the Caribbean Sea, not able to meet his eyes.

As promised the next chapter :D hope you are still enjoying it R&R PLEASE