Pretty Boy

Chapter 23

Grimmauld Place And Such A Coincidence

"Ready to do this?" asked Remus, as he stood at the front door of Grimmauld Place. His brown robes making him stand out in the very Muggle neighbourhood. Ever since Sirius' release, he'd been 'gifted' with new robes for weeks afterwards. He'd felt as though he didn't deserve them. He'd believed his lover, his Sirius guilty of aiding and abetting in double homicide of their best friends, then killing thirteen Muggles. Yet Sirius had forgiven him, although in the beginning Sirius was too ill to put up a fight. He had been exhausted, magically, physically and mentally. He'd helped him, repaired the damage he'd thought himself responsible for. If only he'd just suspected something, gone to see him instead of slinking off. Of course Sirius had just collapsed completely after he learned what Harry thought of him. He'd been angry with Dumbledore for his words, but he hadn't known the true meaning of anger, not really. Not until he'd found out the real truth, and ever beat of his heart longed to taste and feel true revenge. He'd never experienced it like this before, not even when James and Lily died. It might have something to do with Harry being marked as his cub, the baby of the pack and the one who must always be protected first.

"As I'll ever be." stated Sirius a little angrily, he didn't want to lose his magic, so he had no choice. He would play the good little; obedient soldier, but he'd have the last laugh. He would laugh upon Dumbledore's dying, death decaying corpse. Once he was buried he'd joyfully dance on his grave.

"Stop thinking like that Sirius, now come in after a minute." said Remus, it was time, let the games begin.

Sirius scowled, he hated that, it was like Remus was physic or something. He was always able to read his mind, know what he was thinking. He was either extremely predicable or…no, he was predicable no or about it. "Go." said Sirius.

Remus opened the door, allowing Sirius to enter before closing it as lightly as possible. If the hag woke up, she'd reveal that Sirius was there, oh no, he wanted to see Dumbledore's face when he realized his lover was fine. He went straight to the kitchen; it was the only place they used. They being the Order, Sirius had declared everywhere else out of bounds. A lot of the crap had been thrown out, the place scrubbed and tidied but it was far from an extravagant home it once had been. He'd been determined to clean it up completely back then, have Harry live there. Even if Sirius didn't like it, it was the safest home he owned.

"Ah, Remus," said Dumbledore smiling brightly, "Perfect timing my boy!"

"Albus," said Remus a tense smile on his face, which faded a bit with the glare Snape was currently sending his way. There seemed to be more venom in it than ever, which temporarily confused him. Either he was just in a foul mood, or he was doing something to receive Snape's ire.

"I am sorry," said Albus quietly, looking years older as he regarded Remus sadly.

"For what sir?" asked Remus blinking in confusion.

"I am assuming the endeavour wasn't successful, he is not with you." replied Dumbledore. For that he was grateful, he'd been sick to death of the constant nagging. Then the blackmail of not being able to use the house if he didn't let Sirius see Harry. The nervous breakdown had stopped those questions. The added benefit of getting money from the Black estate without a fight. He could no longer touch the Potter's, not since the brat had come of age at seventeen. He was legally an adult and had full control of his vaults. Not even the boy being missing enabled him to dip into them. He had no such worries now; the Black's had more than the Potter's did.

"It was," said Remus, never removing his eyes from the Headmasters. He could see the tightening of his throat, eyes and some of his twinkle fading. He was not amused to say the least, and Remus revelled in the look.

"Talking about me?" asked Sirius cockily coming into the kitchen, grinning at the Order members. The old Sirius Black was back in all his glory, and Sirius' Marauders side was going to come out a play. A side that hadn't been heard from since his seventh year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

A snarl left Severus' lips brought Dumbledore back to himself. He was disheartened by this news; he would have to split them up. If Black was worrying about his lover, he wouldn't bother pestering him about Harry.

"Sirius, it's good to see you my boy!" said Albus his twinkle returning, "I am ecstatic by this news!"

"It's good to be back Headmaster," said Sirius proudly, sitting down and Remus quickly followed.

"So what did you both do?" asked Tonks, they'd been gone an entire week, and Sirius comes back normal.

"I got told some home truths." said Sirius solemnly. "After that we talked, made plans it helped a great deal.

Severus suppressed a smirk, the best lie to tell was a half truth, and that's exactly what Black had just done. The second best thing to do, was elaborate when you lie, which he'd done. Thankfully all pureblood children got taught the art of meditation and Occlumency from a young age. By the time they were at Hogwarts they'd mastered it. Black and Potter hadn't at least not the emotion side of the subject. They'd been two of the most emotional boys in Hogwarts; it had been disgusting to see.

"You were just in time for the meeting," said Albus, "As you can see it's only a few of us, everyone else still has shifts looking for Harry. Especially those who don't work during the day."

"How's that going? Any luck?" asked Remus looking around the room hopeful, looking as though he wished for just a word on how Harry was.

"No, we've started expanding the search, so far we've not had any luck." said Tonks. She was using her lunch break to be here, too bad Molly wasn't, and she made the finest food.

"Can he Apparate?" asked Sirius in 'Auror' mode.

"I've been asking I'm not getting straight answers." said Shacklebolt impassively.

"Well?" asked Sirius sitting staring at Dumbledore. Everyone else there remained silent, staring between the two, as if watching a tennis match. Not many people spoke to Dumbledore that way. Severus even remained quiet, he looked as though he was enjoying himself too much to go into 'I hate Black and Potter mode'.

"He hasn't received his license yet." said Albus diplomatically being vague but polite. He could say that Harry didn't know, but considering they thought he'd been 'training' since he was eleven it would be impossible to buy.

"Can. He. Apparate?" asked Sirius enunciating each word carefully. He knew it was out of character, but he could use just coming out of a breakdown and wanting to do something useful.

"Sirius," said Remus looking concerned, if looks could kill Sirius would be dead. The bloody glare the man was giving him would melt ice. He gave him a warning look as well, he was going too far.

"Look that's my godson out there alright! Death Eaters are looking for him I want him safe and to do that I need answers!" snapped Sirius.

"We are doing everything we can." said Tonks.

"I know," sighed Sirius slumping down suddenly looking and sounding exhausted.

"Remus I have word of a colony of werewolf's moving south in Scotland, now if you could go to them and warm them I'd appreciate it." said Albus, once again giving orders, moving on from Harry Potter with gratefulness. He absolutely hated Black right now, undermining him as if he was some common Muggle.

"I'm sorry Albus, I can't do it." said Remus, he'd just got Sirius back to normal, his cub back in his life and a plan. He couldn't be sent away, he'd be gone for months and he wouldn't allow it.

"Excuse me?" asked Albus, struck dumb, staring at Remus as if he couldn't believe he had just said what he did. In all his years he'd never heard those words out of Remus' mouth. He'd never expected them either, he'd allowed him into Hogwarts, gave him an education when he'd been turned away by everyone else. Thanks to him he'd made friends and everyone unaware of what he was. This was how he chose to repay him? He was furious, absolutely mad at the werewolf.

"I cannot do this mission for you." said Remus quietly.

"Why not?" asked Albus sounding like he'd been died sweets from his mother.

"I am going to stay here and help the search party for Harry, my sense of smell will be a great asset." said Remus.

"We have plenty of people searching for him Remus; you do not have to worry. I am sure we will have found him by the time you return." said Albus, "Sirius will keep you updated on our findings."

"I will help to find him Albus," said Remus tiredly, tired of fighting, tired of missing his godson and for all intents and purposes tired of the war. Everyone other than Moody, Snape and Dumbledore stared at the aging man sympathetically.

"Very well," said Albus, looking disappointed as he inwardly raged. Perhaps it was time something happened to Sirius, and then maybe the werewolf would be more susceptible to his plans. Nothing permanent unfortunately, otherwise they were out of Grimmauld Place, no perhaps a coma or something to keep him indisposed for a few months at least. The werewolf's, giants and Dementors were the only true threats. Remus was his contact for the werewolf's, Hagrid for the giants but the Dementors…were uncontrollable. It would only be for the greater good of his world.

"Thank you," said Remus as if the Headmaster had just granted him his greatest wish.

"Well I have nothing further to reveal, no more information to be shared, I suggest we call this meeting to an end and FIND HARRY POTTER." said Albus. He had but a year to find him, if not then the world would descend into darkness.

"Look an owl," said Remus; the whole Order was away, just ten minutes ago. As always Snape was one of the first to disappear. The owl was white, nothing like the last bird they'd seen, Snape's bird actually. The owl swooped through, both of them stared blankly. They didn't recognize the writing either, they wondered who had written it.

Sirius checked it for Hex's as the owl screeched in obvious agitation. "Keep your feathers on." said Sirius wryly, removing it. Obviously there was nothing on it, but still cautious broke the wax on the back, and opened it. Looking at the bottom first and his eyes began twinkling.

"Remember the portrait." said Remus lowly; the hag would use anything to get her son into trouble.

Sirius nodded, both of them crouched together and read the messy, childish scribbling.

Hello,

We are going to Diagon Alley, be sure to be there half an hour. Do not be late, and remember what to do.

Harry

P.S - Burn this letter immediately.

"He even sounds like him," grouched Sirius.

"I suggest we get ready," said Remus.

"What do we need to do? We ARE ready." said Sirius giving Remus a weird look.

"Reply, and let's go, I think I'll have an ice cream." said Remus.

"Hmm, good idea." said Sirius dreamily, it had been such a long time since he'd been in Fortescue's ice cream shop. He wondered what mad new flavours he'd made for those with, shall we say daring pallets.

"There he is, game time." said Remus, putting the spoon on the glass tub he'd been eating ice cream from. He put a Knut down before getting up slowly, despite the fact he wanted to run to him. Sirius followed his example, casually leaving his seat, observing that Snape and Harry had gone into the shop just next to where an Order member was observing the Alley. Merlin, he was glad Snape was on Harry's side, their side. He was just too good, it was no wonder he'd lasted so long as a spy. The wand shop, why did Harry have to get a new wand? Perhaps Harry's would have noticed.

"Look," said Remus, peering into the window just two shops down, waiting them out.

"You and your books Remus!" sighed Sirius exasperated.

"Yes, wouldn't hurt you to actually read one some day," said Remus dryly.

"You wound me!" cried Sirius dramatically, while he waited impatiently, where the hell were they? it didn't take this long to get a wand. Sirius paled slightly, Ollivander always knew who was coming to his shop. He will know it was Harry, no wonder they were taking so long. He kept an eye on the shop looking for any sign of trouble. Remus gave him a wide eyed look, obviously thinking the same as him.

"They're fine, look. Let's go." whispered Remus relieved. They walked away from the shop, cassually passing Severus and Harry by, before Remus turned around, sniffing gently his eyes going wide.

"Hadrian? Hadrian is that you?" asked Remus wide eyed, "Hadrian Williams?"

"Yes," said the man in question, regarding them blankly before his eyes lit up in recognition. "Remus? Sirius, well I'll be damned! It's nice to see you again."

"You too! What have you been up to?" asked Remus. The guy standing guard was not paying anyone the slightest bit of attention.

"Oh this and that, been working extremely hard in passing my Mastery." said Hadrian.

Severus was standing there regarding both men sourly, as he waited on 'Hadrian' finishing his conversation.

"Mastery? In what?" asked Sirius curiously.

"Which time?" asked Hadrian chuckling good naturally.

"Err…you have more than one?" asked Sirius. Merlin Harry was good, really good he could do this. They could do this, and one day he'd get his revenge.

"You never did know what to do after school," said Remus shaking his head in wry amusement.

"Cost me a great deal of my inheritance," admitted Hadrian, "But I have Masteries in three subject, I'm not planning on my forth."

"Three?" gaped Remus his eyes gleaming with awe and wonder.

"Yeah, Ancient Runes, Charms and my Defence Mastery. I'm going to give Potions a try now, hopefully after this one I'll settle down. I am getting old after all." said Hadrian wryly.

"Are you sure you want to take it from him?" said Sirius glaring at Severus.

"Stop it Sirius," snapped Remus before turning back to Hadrian, "May I write to you?"

"Of course," said Hadrian, walking a few steps before turning back, "By the way, I'm sorry about James and Lily."

"Thank you," said Sirius looking choked up, this was genuine, Harry couldn't even say his father's proper title.

Nodding solemnly the men departed ways, giving each of their partners a grin when the sudden pop of Apparation surrounded the air. Looking back, four pair's identically mischievous eyes met as they observed the space the Order member had just vacated to tell on them.

It was time.

It would work.

There we go...the plan is executed, now to trap the spider ;) R&R PLEASE!