As always a big, big thank you to Ambush99 for her wonderful betaing skills.
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Chapter 26
Fleamont leant back on his office chair. After he and Sirius had returned from Diagon Alley, Sirius had been reluctant to have anything to do with his new wand, preferring to keep it in its box in Fleamont's office. He had watched Sirius occasionally stare at it, before quickly looking away. He had tried to ask Sirius about it, but the boy had somehow always changed the subject. But Fleamont was concerned, which was why he needed to speak to Ollivander. Pulling on his travelling cloak, he made the short walk from his office to Ollivander's shop.
"Mr Potter, I wasn't expecting you," Ollivander's wispy voice filtered through the empty shop.
"No, I'm sorry, is this a bad time?" Fleamont asked to the seemingly empty shop, as he looked around trying to find the source of the voice.
"No, not at all."
"Merlin!" Fleamont exclaimed, as he found himself nose to nose with the wandmaker.
"My apologies," Ollivander said as he stepped away, busying himself with a pile of boxes.
"If this is a bad time," Fleamont started.
"You are wondering about the wand Mr. Black purchased a couple of days ago?"
"Yes," Fleamont said slowly, eyeing the man carefully.
"Wandlore is art. It has been passed down my family for generations, but even I don't truly understand it. I look at the wizard and try to read their future, their desires, their hopes, their strengths, and then I select a wand. Your son, James, I felt it was easy to select the right wand for him. Only time will tell if I am correct. He's happy with his wand, isn't he?" Ollivander questioned, now from the ladder.
Fleamont frowned. "Yes, he loves it," he managed, wondering how a man of more advanced age than he seemed to have climbed a ladder without him realising.
"You on the other hand, were a far trickier customer. It happens," Ollivander replied with a shrug. "But you are still satisfied with it?"
"Yes. It is like an old, trusted friend," Fleamont replied, wondering where Ollivander was going with this.
"Mr Black was a tricky customer, perhaps the trickiest customer I have ever had. He has changed recently."
Fleamont frowned. "You said when you found the wand for Sirius, you said to look after him, and that only a wizard who has passed through darkness, who has fought darkness and come out to the light, could have mastered that wand. What did you mean by this?" he pressed.
"He carries an aura of darkness and light. He's fighting it. He's strong. He doesn't want the darkness to win. That's why the wand selected him."
"I don't understand. How did you know that?" Fleamont questioned, as he started pacing up and down the shop.
"I've been in wandlore for over eighty years. There are things I cannot explain. Only a wizard who had stood in front of death and turned their back on him could have summoned a wand with that combination of wood and cores. Only a wizard who is willing to die for their beliefs could have summoned that wand. Only a wizard who has fought the darkness, and the most evil forces our world has, could have summoned that wand," Ollivander said quietly, as he slowly sat down on the chair in the corner.
Fleamont felt his breath catch in his throat. "So, you think Sirius summoned that wand?"
"I've seen you duelling, and I've seen you perform some incredible magic when you've been backed into a corner. I know you don't believe a wand is its own being. I know you don't believe wands react of their own accord, but how do you explain the magic you performed?" Ollivander said softly.
"Because it was defensive magic!" Fleamont exclaimed.
"Partly, yes. Or was it also your partner, your best friend trying to protect you?" Ollivander reasoned.
"But Sirius?"
"The wand needed a partner and Mr. Black needed someone to defend him. It has sat there for a thousand years, looking, waiting for someone to be worthy enough. That day, when Mr Black walked into my shop, the wand found its partner. I have never seen a wand being summoned, or maybe the wand summoned itself to Mr. Black," Ollivander continued.
Fleamont frowned again, still not understanding what Ollivander was saying. "But it's a very powerful wand."
"If you think he's in danger with it, he's not. The wand won't hurt him, but it will defend him. He just needs to have the confidence to harness its power."
Fleamont nodded. "Thank you."
"As I said Mr Potter, I have never had a perfect match. But they needed each other. I'm sorry that I can't explain it more."
"It's okay," Fleamont said kindly, but feeling more confused than when he had arrived. "Thank you for your time."
"Mr Potter, a wand has the ability to heal the wizard, not through the traditional spells, but the connection between them."
"Oh, I," Fleamont started, not really understanding or honestly believing a wand could independently heal its master.
"Not many people do," Ollivander said, seemingly able to read Fleamont's thoughts.
"Sorry, I meant no disrespect."
"I know," Ollivander replied gently, adding a wispy smile for good measure.
Fleamont returned the smile and let his shoulders drop. "Really, thank you."
"It was a pleasure. You look after that boy. He is a capable and powerful young wizard, but he is walking a tightrope between darkness and light. I would hate to see him fall into darkness."
Fleamont swallowed tightly. "I will protect him."
"I know. He is lucky to have you," Ollivander replied quietly. He cocked his head to one side. "Was there something else?"
Fleamont paused for a moment, before pulling out the wand Sirius had been given by the school. "Yes, there is. Would you mind checking this wand for me?"
Ollivander took the dull, chipped wand, and gently turned it between his thin fingers. "It is not one of mine, nor do I think it is a wand made by a traditional wandmaker. I believe it is one of these newly mass-produced wands that have infiltrated the market," he said, his nose wrinkling with disgust. "I suppose there is a market for them, but I've never been a fan." He waved his arm, and then frowned as there was no response from the wand. "Mr Potter, are you sure this is a real wand, not a joke one from Zonko's?"
"Yes, the person in question was issued it at Hogwarts."
Ollivander's frown deepened. He pulled his own wand out and tapped the wand. If possible, his already furrowed brow deepened further. "I can find little to no magical core in this wand. Surely the school noticed when the person in question couldn't perform any magic with it?"
"They managed to perform some magic. It was limited, but they did produce some magic," Fleamont replied, watching the wandmaker carefully. "Mr Ollivander, with Dumbledore's permission, I would like you to check the other wands. It would be very damaging to a child's morale if they were issued one of these defective wands."
"Of course. I will await Dumbledore's owl."
"Thank you for your time."
"It was my pleasure," Ollivander replied, bowing slightly.
Fleamont nodded again before hurrying out of the shop. Once outside he took a shaky breath. What was Ollivander saying? What he knew was he needed to support Sirius and, in order to do that, he needed to talk to Dr Knell. She had been treating him. She crossed the line between the muggle and wizarding worlds. She knew how the poison had affected Sirius' magic. He stepped into an alley and transfigured his robes to more appropriate muggle clothes before apparating to an alley just outside of Guy's Hospital.
"Thank you," Fleamont said, a little while later, as he took the offered mug of steaming tea.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to see Sirius a couple of days ago," Sarah started, as they walked out of the canteen.
"It's okay, he's not your only patient. Your colleague was really good with him," Fleamont replied, as he stepped to one side and held the door open.
"I know, but I would have still liked to have been there for him. It must have been really tough for him," Sarah replied, as they made their way under the railway bridge and towards the river.
"It was, but at the same time he found it exciting. He said it was like being an auror, keeping the cover story."
Sarah smiled. "He's a very bright and tough boy."
"He is," Fleamont replied with a sigh.
"Fleamont? What's the matter? I've read the notes; he is healing well. He will make a full recovery."
"I know they said that, it's just, well, I know things are going to take time but he's really off since we went to Ollivander's," Fleamont started hesitantly.
"Off? Have you tried talking to him about it?"
"Yes, he just changes the subject. I don't want to push him, but after what happened at Ollivander's," Fleamont trailed off.
"What happened at Ollivander's?" Sarah asked, frowning.
"He," Fleamont stopped and took a sip of tea as he tried to make sense of what had happened in his own mind. "He summoned a wand."
"What?!" Sarah exclaimed.
"I know. I don't understand it and nor did Ollivander really. He said something about the wand wanting to bond with its master but he couldn't really explain it."
"So Sirius, he didn't have a wand on him at the time?"
"No," Fleamont replied, shaking his head. "He was exhausted. We'd been out for most of the day with the check-up and everything. He was quite stressed after the check-up, so we wandered around London for a bit. We went to a muggle bookshop. We had lunch and he seemed to relax. He was anxious about getting a wand. His parents presented him with his first wand, so he had never been fitted with one. And then it took several hours."
Sarah nodded. "It took me at least two hours. I was beginning to think the Hogwarts' letter was some sick joke of my sister's."
"Yeah, but he thinks he's turning into a squib because he's struggling with magic. Then he's there for about four hours. He was very stressed and probably about to perform some defensive magic. Then, all out of nowhere, this wand flies through the air and lands in front of him. Even before he picks it up it's obvious there's a strong connection. He performs some amazing magic with it by just picking it up," Fleamont continued, as he started to pace along the riverside.
"He's sixteen. He's had five years of training. He was always going to manage to produce more than just sparks," Sarah reasoned.
"I know," Fleamont replied tightly.
"Fleamont, are you okay?"
"It's just, well I just think of him, when he was seriously ill, when you had to put that tube into his chest because his lung collapsed. I knew you had to do it or he would have died, but seeing how much pain he was in, I just wanted to-" Fleamont stopped, his eyes overly bright. "It's just, if there was a spell, but I couldn't because, well I couldn't because he was allergic to magic. But I wanted to do something for him. I just want to protect him. I just feel I'm not doing enough for him."
"Fleamont, you are! I've seen him with you. He trusts you. When he was seriously ill, I found you cradling him in your arms gently talking to him. Since he's been conscious, as soon as he feels threatened he leans on you. He trusts you. And it's understandable you feel like this. He's basically your son, of course you'll feel scared," Sarah reassured, as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You are doing so much for him. That's why he's turning to you. Has he opened up at all?"
"A bit," Fleamont sniffed.
"You are doing the right thing. You are supporting Sirius, and he knows that or he would have never opened up to you. I've seen him asleep in your arms, completely relaxed. Sirius was the one seriously ill, but it doesn't mean his family members aren't affected," Sarah pushed.
"His family members did this to him," Fleamont growled.
"I wasn't talking about them. I was referring to you and Euphemia. You are his proper family, not in blood, but in every other sense," Sarah said, patting Fleamont's arm. "I've seen so many relatives become ill because they did not care for their own health when a relative has been ill. You need to look after yourself as well."
"I am," Fleamont replied quietly.
"And you shouldn't blame yourself. You didn't hurt him. All you've done is help him."
Fleamont slowly nodded. "I guess," he started. "It's just-"
"There's something more than this. It has something to do with Ollivander's. It was more than how the wand selected him."
Fleamont looked at Sarah for a moment before taking a breath. "It was an ancient wand. An experimental, very powerful dual core wand made over a thousand years ago. Many have tried to win its allegiance, including Dumbledore, but no one did until Sirius walked into the shop."
Sarah whistled. "That's a lot for anyone to take in. I would struggle with that, let alone a scared, hurt sixteen year old boy. That's probably all it is, Fleamont."
"Maybe," Fleamont said quietly as he rubbed his face, still not quite agreeing with her. "It's just Ollivander said wands have the ability to heal through osmosis. And Sirius-"
"Is not healing like a wizard should?" Sarah suggested. She watched Fleamont nod. "I'm no expert in wandlore. Can a wand heal independently without spells? Maybe. I don't know. And yes, Sirius is taking longer to heal than a wizard would normally, but he will be okay. At first, I thought it was the poison. To start with, it definitely was, but the poison has been out of his system for three weeks now."
"If it's not the poison, what is it?" Fleamont asked urgently.
"I think he's scared of magic."
"Scared of magic?" Fleamont repeated, his eyebrows raised.
"It would be very understandable with everything we think he's been through. Even when he returned to the school and they finally started treating him using magic, they still hurt him. It was unintentional, but it was still the magic that hurt him," Sarah explained. She watched Fleamont carefully for a moment before adding, "I think he's stopping his magic from healing him. I think he's scared of what it will do to him."
Fleamont nodded. He looked away for a moment, and looked down towards Tower Bridge. He rubbed his jaw. "He's terrified of his magic. He's been doing minor bits of defensive magic, but even the small amounts he's been doing, he's terrified. Probably embarrassed as well, but mainly terrified."
Sarah nodded sympathetically. "He'll get there, Fleamont. It might take some time, but I am confident he will. At some point he'll be fine, confident enough to allow his magic to heal him. He's going to get there because of your and Euphemia's support." She stopped and looked at her watch. "I'm really sorry, but really should be heading back to work."
"Of course," Fleamont replied, as he found a small smile. "I've taken way too much of your time. I doubt you get many breaks."
"It was a pleasure, and please send my best regards to Sirius. If he ever wants to talk, I can try and make myself available at any time. That also goes for you too, Fleamont," Sarah said kindly, as she laid a gentle hand on Fleamont's shoulder.
"Thank you. No, really thank you. You've done so much for him. The healers did their best, but they gave up on him. You didn't and you understand him."
"Fleamont, was my pleasure. I'm so sorry, but I really must go."
"Of course. And thank you again."
"I'll see you soon. Goodbye."
"Goodbye," Fleamont said, as he raised his hand and waved. He watched as Sarah disappeared into the crowd, before slipping down a quiet side street and apparating back to his office. He had barely stepped into the office when he heard someone calling his name.
"Yes," Fleamont called out.
"Fleamont," Alex, Fleamont's assistant, said as he stepped into Fleamont's office. "There's a gentleman, a Mr Black, who wants to meet with you. He said he didn't mind what time, or how long you had, but he is desperate to meet with you."
Fleamont frowned, his body tensing. "Did he give his forename?"
"Yes, Alphard."
Fleamont nodded, as he thought back to his and Sirius' conversation. "Yeah, sure, show him in." He watched as Alex nodded and hurried into the reception area. He took the moment to sit and hold his head in his hands. His mind was going a thousand miles an hour with what he had learnt from Ollivander and Sarah, and now this?
"Mr Potter?"
"Mr Black," Fleamont said, stepping forward to greet the younger man. Alphard looked like a Black in every sense of the word. The tall, leant figure. The chiselled face. The dark eyes. The fine, expensive robes. But like Sirius, he didn't look as hard as the rest of his family members. His face was creased with laughter lines and was worn like a man who led a wild life.
"Please, it's Alphard," Alphard said, taking Fleamont's hand. "Mr Black reminds me of my father."
Fleamont nodded. "And it's Fleamont. You wanted to see me."
"I, well," Alphard started, uncharacteristically lost for words. "I've heard you are looking after my nephew, Sirius."
Fleamont swallowed and set his face. "Yes," he settled on.
"How is he?" Alphard asked hesitantly.
"Why do you want to know?" Fleamont replied defensively.
"Because," Alphard started, his shoulders dropping. "Because, I may not have been around a lot, but Sirius is my favourite nephew. I've been abroad and I've heard stuff from my family. I'm just worried about him. Please tell me he's okay."
Fleamont watched Alphard for a moment. "He's, well, he will be okay. He's not in the best of states right now, but he will be okay."
"Oh. Oh, thank merlin, thank god," Alphard exclaimed, his head dropping into his hands. "Just, well, with what I had heard, I feared the worst."
"We were fortunate. It could have been 'the worst'."
Alphard visibly paled at these words and looked as though he might be sick. "Merlin," was all he could manage.
"Did you ever suspect anything?" Fleamont asked curiously, as he leant forward and rested his chin on his open hands.
"Suspect?" Alphard asked, confused.
"That his parents were hurting him?" Fleamont asked calculatingly.
"I knew they were strict, but I never thought they hurt him. He asked if he could come with me to Peru once, but it was during term time. I thought he was just curious. I never thought they would hurt him. If I'd known I would have dropped everything. I would have set up in the UK and given him a home," Alphard said, his head still in his hands. "I, I would like to see him, just to make sure he's okay. I can understand if you don't want me anywhere near him. I know my family's reputation."
Fleamont watched the younger man for a moment, the tense, almost defeated pose. "I spoke to Sirius, and he had very favourable things to say about you." He stopped and took a breath for a moment. "But he was unsure. He didn't want you mixed up with his mess. He was worried about how the family would treat you."
Alphard exhaled and rubbed his face. "I can understand why you are so protective of him and I'm thankful. He's, he's different from the rest of them. He's a thousand times smarter. He's open minded. He's, well he's bloody brilliant. He's inquisitive, just don't punish him because of that."
Fleamont frowned. "I know. He's been staying during the holidays since he was twelve."
"I just-"
"I'II speak to Sirius. He was unsure. I think mainly because of what might happen to you," Fleamont started.
"I don't care what happens to me!" Alphard exclaimed.
"Sorry to sound harsh, but nor do I! I care about Sirius."
Alphard nodded. "Good," he managed. "Sirius is all you should care about. Can you give him this?" Alphard said, as he handed over a couple of rolls of parchment. "It's my first revision. Sirius and I always review before I publish."
Fleamont nodded. "Of course," he said, taking the parchment. "I will speak to Sirius, but it won't be for a few days, and I will be present during that meeting."
"I understand," Alphard replied quietly, feeling a mix of respect and intimidation from the older man. But this was good, in his opinion. Sirius deserved to have someone actively and passionately fighting his corner. "If you would let me know your and Sirius' decision, I would be very grateful."
"Of course."
"I will take my leave. I have already taken up too much of your time. Thank you for your time, and for caring for my nephew," Alphard said sincerely, bowing slightly.
Fleamont watched as Alphard quietly left his office, leaving him with his own confused thoughts.
Ooo
"Just be a little gentle with him," Fleamont said quietly, as he guided his son through the house.
"Dad, you said he was better!" James exclaimed, as he bounced nervously on the balls of his feet.
"He is, but he's not back to his old self yet," Fleamont replied, as he stopped to face his son. It was a Hogsmeade weekend. He had asked James if he wanted to go to Hogsmeade or visit Sirius. Fleamont hadn't even managed to finish his sentence before James had replied. "He still gets tired easily and it's just been me and your mother."
"I get it, dad," James said, cutting his father off. "I was there when he was really bad, and no one was doing anything to help him."
"I know, James, I know."
James looked at his father curiously for a moment before continuing. "Dad, how close did we come to losing him?"
"It was close."
James bit his lip. "I'll be gentle with him," he said quietly, as the information slowly sank in.
"James, I'm not suggesting you treat him like glass. Just, well, look, just be a little gentle with him and don't be alarmed if he falls asleep."
James smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I'll get more conversation out of him than I do from Remus and Pete when they are writing essays." He paused for a moment outside the sitting room before knocking and stepping in. "Hey Sirius," he called out.
"James?" Sirius replied sleepily, from the fireplace.
"Yeah," James replied, as he forced himself not to rush forward. "Where are you?"
"Here."
James rolled his eyes. "A little more instruction would be helpful."
"The sofa."
"Mate!" James said, as he bounced up and then stopped. His dad wasn't kidding when he had said Sirius wasn't 100%. He still looked ill. Tired. Pale. Thin. But, he thought with a shrug of the shoulders, he was alive. "Mate! I've missed you!"
"Yeah?" Sirius questioned.
"Yeah? You dingbat, of course I have. Remus and Pete are great and all, but they are soooo boring at times. It's all, 'no James we need to write that essay.' 'James, we need to study for the mock exams'. So, boring mate. Anyway, why do we need to study? It's not as if it's hard or anything."
Sirius just managed to shift his legs out of the way before James flopped onto the sofa. "It's easy for you-"
"And you," James said, cutting Sirius off.
"Maybe before," Sirius started.
"They smashed your wrist, not your head," James pushed back. "Anyway," he started draping an arm around his best friend's shoulders. "Enough about boring school. Do you want to hear about my life?"
Sirius found a smirk. "What? In addition to the roll of parchment you write to me every day? Mate, have you ever written that much in your life?!"
"Padfoot, it's easy. It's about my favourite subject," James said, as he patted his heart.
"I thought your favourite subject was Lily?" Sirius joked.
"Oh, did I tell you-"
"She talked to you," Sirius replied, rolling his eyes, biting back the laughter.
"No, she touched my hand!" James exclaimed, holding his hand with pride.
"Please tell me you've washed it," Sirius replied in slight disgust, his nose wrinkling at the sight of the offered hand.
"No!" James replied proudly, fixed grin in place. "It was amazing. Her hand was so soft."
"Prongs! That's gross!" Sirius exclaimed, pushing the offered hand away. "I'm happy for you and all, but seriously mate. Please wash it!"
"I guess it's a bit gross," James replied quietly, as he looked at his hand with interest. "It was still amazing. I could feel the magic between us. Padfoot, I'm telling you we were born to be together. Our magic. Mate I could feel our magic just connect."
Sirius chuckled. "James, you are mad. You've forgotten the minor issue of our dear 'friend' Mr Snape."
"Yeah," James spat out.
"Have you seen him?"
"No," James replied, shaking his head. "I've seen him around in the corridors and like, oh, and our potions classes, but no, apart from that."
"Your dad mentioned to me, when I get back, to avoid him."
"Yeah, he said the same to me. I took his advice."
"Even with Lily?"
"Yeah, even with her," James said quietly, as he raked a hand through his dishevelled hair. "I hate seeing her with him. I know what happened to him was shit, but-" He stopped when he watched Sirius' face fall. "Mate," he continued, patting his friend's shoulder. "The whole situation was fucked up. I know you didn't mean to do what you did. But why did bloody Snape go there?! He knows you hate him, and-" He stopped and held up his hands as he watched Sirius try and cut in. "He knows I hate him. The feeling is mutual. But why did the bloody bastard go there?!"
"I don't know, mate," Sirius replied quietly.
"Anyway, yeah, I want to hex the life out of the git but it's best we leave him and his dark little friends alone."
"You never know, maybe Lily might respect you," Sirius replied lightly, his eyebrows raised.
"You think?!" James exclaimed, grinning.
"I don't know mate!" Sirius joked, smacking the back of James' head.
James watched his friend carefully for a moment. "Mate, how are you?"
"What?" Sirius replied, with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm serious-"
"No, you clown, I'm Sirius you half blind dingbat!" Sirius laughed.
James rolled his eyes. "I thought that got old, I don't know, when we got off the train. So, I'm serious, how are you?"
Sirius pursed his lips a couple of times, as he considered his options. Did he lie to his friend, or did he tell him the truth? "I'm, I have good days and bad days," he finalised on.
James nodded, not quite understanding what his best friend had meant. "More good days, than bad I hope," he managed.
"Mainly."
James nodded. "Mate, I'm sorry I didn't help you before."
"Don't be soft mate!" Sirius said, as he pushed James' arm off his shoulder.
"Yeah, but that doesn't change that I listened to bloody Snape before I listened to you!"
"James!" Sirius exclaimed. "I just, I don't know. I fucked up!"
"I know. So, did I! So did Snape. So did the professors. So did Dumbledore! We all did!" James countered.
"I," Sirius started before looking at his best mate. "I'm still sorry, can I say that?"
"Course you can, just as long as I can say sorry as well."
Sirius nodded. "Prongs, I feel like crap," he finally confessed.
James nodded. "I probably don't feel as crap as you do, but I still feel it. I, I just miss you mate. I wish I could go back in time, but I can't." He stopped and looked at his best friend for a moment. "Anyway, do you know when you are coming back?"
"No," Sirius replied, shaking his head.
"That's cool. When you're back, we need to get you playing Quidditch again."
"James, I-"
"You can. There are tons of muggleborns at school, and some of them would have broken bones before they came to Hogwarts. It doesn't stop them. Dad said you would be fine. I'm not saying we throw you straight into a team practice or anything. It could just be me and you flying. Next step we hit those yellow, slightly fluffy balls muggles use," James started, as he ran off his grand plan.
"Tennis balls?" Sirius suggested.
"Yeah, those things. We build up to the bludgers. Mate, we need you! Dan Whitelock is good and all, but he's not you. You and Tim are the best beater team the school has by a mile!"
"It's just," Sirius replied quietly, as he looked down at the cast on his wrist.
"Talk to the healer!"
"I guess," Sirius replied, his shoulders dropping.
"Sirius, mate. They tried to kill you but you can't give up! You have fought so hard to live, don't let them take all of the things you enjoy from you," James said passionately, as he hugged his friend. "Don't let them win!"
"Okay, I'll ask."
"And Padfoot. What about Padfoot?!"
"I can't."
"Have you asked?!"
"What?! What do I say James?" Sirius replied emotionally.
James pursed his lips. "Mate, I don't know the muggle world like you do but you've said the healer is really nice."
"She is. She wanted to do some research into muggle healing methods to see if anything could help us in the wizarding world."
"Right, then ask her. She won't say anything. And anyway, as I said, I don't know the muggle world like you do, but I am pretty sure her colleagues would think she's nuts if she starts asking them about her patient, a boy who can turn into a dog!"
Sirius laughed. "I guess. It's just your dad…" he trailed off.
"Can you see her alone?" James asked.
"I think so."
"If you can't, still ask her. Dad won't be mad."
"What about you? If he finds out I'm an Animagus, he will join the dots and know you are one!"
James bit his lip for a moment, before looking his best friend square in the eye. "Then he'll have to find out. I'm sure he'll be mad for a bit but I can take that. You worked so hard to create Padfoot. I just don't want you to give up on him, just because you were too afraid to ask. If you can't be Padfoot anymore, that sucks, but mate. Please ask."
"Okay," Sirius said, nodding as he returned his friend's look.
"Right, good. Now we've got that settled, we need to start planning some pranks. Mate, it's been so bloody boring without you. Moony has got me studying all hours. He made a bloody revision timetable."
"A revision timetable?" Sirius replied, eyebrows raised. "What's that?"
"This!" James said, handing over the piece of parchment in mock disgust. "Honestly, I can't be seen with this!"
"Yeah. Mate, that's not right. Not right at all. Please tell me you haven't been seen in public with it?!"
"Of course not! Who do you think I am?! I left it in the dorm, but I had to show you. I knew you would understand! Have you been studying?"
"A bit, just the theory stuff. I haven't been doing magic at the moment."
James nodded. "Fair enough," he said quietly, as he watched Sirius for a bit. He took a moment to think, before deciding not to mention Sirius' lack of magic. "Honestly, you aren't missing much at school. It's OWLs, OWLs, oh and wait more OWLs! They are bloody months away, not that the teachers or Moony would like you to think differently. Quidditch has been alright. As I said, Phil's alright, he's just not you. What else?" James paused for a moment and looked across at Sirius. "Mate, if you need to sleep that's cool with me."
"What? No, I'm fine mate. Just thinking of school, that's all."
"I reckon it'll be weird for a couple of days when you get back, but it'll soon go back to normal. And anyway, you'll have me, Moony and Wormy. You'll be fine," James said confidently.
"Thanks mate," Sirius replied, forcing himself to sound positive. "So, Lily?" he continued, and allowed his best mate to rattle on about the girl of his dreams.
Ooo
Fleamont paced in front of the fireplace, his hands behind his back, waiting for a visitor to arrive. The visitor was Alphard Black. Sirius had toyed with the idea for a couple of days but after James had visited Sirius had seemed more relaxed, more himself. Shortly after James' visit Sirius had asked to see his uncle. Fleamont looked at his watch again. Less than a minute until Alphard arrived. Sirius had nothing but good things to say about him, and the man whom he had met in his office a few days ago matched that description, but Fleamont was still nervous. Alphard was still a Black. He knew he shouldn't judge the man by his family, but after what Sirius' family had done to him, he had his reservations. Then, dead on two o'clock, their agreed meeting time, Fleamont's fireplace glowed green, and Alphard Black stepped out of it.
"Welcome," Fleamont said tensely, as he extended his hand, greeting the younger man.
"Thank you," Alphard said, as he stood up and straightened his robes. "Thank you for having me."
Fleamont nodded. "As I said before, I will be pleasant when you meet Sirius. We will meet in my office. I will be at my desk, so I will give you some space, but I won't be leaving you two alone."
Alphard swallowed. "I understand, I really do. I would never lay a finger on Sirius, but I understand your caution. I just want to talk to him. I know you've said he's okay and I believe you, I just want to see him with my own eyes."
"And your family?" Fleamont pushed.
"They don't need to know about this. I should have cut ties with them when they cut Andromeda off, but I couldn't. I never thought they would hurt Sirius, but I still wanted to be part of his life. I know I'm not around a lot, it's just." Alphard stopped for a moment, as he took a breath. He rubbed his face. "I promise I really care about Sirius. I would never hurt him."
Fleamont nodded again as he accepted Alphard's explanation. "Okay. Be gentle with him. He's healing, but not like a wizard should. We are using muggle methods."
"Why can't you use wizarding methods?"
"He reacted to them. It nearly killed him."
"But he still nearly died!" Alphard exclaimed.
"He did, but when you treat with muggle methods you don't heal immediately. He's healing well now, but it's taking time. He will make a full recovery," Fleamont reassured.
Alphard nodded and handed his wand over. "Have this."
"What?"
"I want to prove to you; I won't hurt Sirius."
Fleamont frowned and handed the wand back to the younger Black. "No, I trust you. But if you lay one finger on him, then-"
"I know," Alphard replied, cutting the older man off. "Please can I see my nephew."
"Okay," Fleamont said slowly. "Give me a moment. I need to check if Sirius is still alright with this. If he's not, you need to accept it."
"Of course," Alphard replied, as he nodded tightly. He watched as Fleamont Potter slipped into the room and closed the door. He took a shaky breath. He wanted to see his nephew. He needed to apologise for not being around. But was it about him? No, it was about Sirius, the fiercely bright, wild boy who was his nephew. He leant back against the wall and waited. More than anything, he hoped Mr. Potter was right and Sirius would recover. But why? Why had his sister and brother-in-law tried to kill their own son. An opening of the door pulled him out of his darkening thoughts.
"Sirius is happy to see you," Fleamont said quietly. "As I said before-"
"Have my wand," Alphard replied, pushing his wand towards the other man.
"Keep it," Fleamont said, pushing the wand towards Alphard. "But if you so much as look at him wrong, I will hex you into the next century."
"I understand," Alphard replied with a nod. "Can I?"
"Of course," Fleamont replied, exchanging the nod. "Sirius, lad, I'm bringing your uncle Alfie in." He waited for a moment, waiting for confirmation. Upon hearing it, he pushed the door open and showing Alphard Black into the room. Fleamont walked past and squeezed Sirius' shoulder. "If you need anything. if you need me to sit with you, just say. I am only here for you. You are all I care about. I will be at my desk. I won't leave this room." Fleamont waited for a moment again, as he watched Sirius nod. "I'll be at my desk if you need anything," he whispered.
"Hi Sirius," Alphard said quietly, as he slipped into the room.
"Hi."
"How are you?" Alphard asked, growing worried as he observed the pale, thin, battered form.
"Okay."
Alphard nodded plainly. He sank down into the armchair opposite. "But you're not and that's okay." He watched his nephew nod before continuing. "Did you get my draft?"
"Yeah," Sirius replied slowly.
"And?"
"You really went to Nepal?"
"Yeah, I did. I spent a few months out there."
"So, you went to the mountains and jungle?!"
"Yup," Alphard replied with a smile.
"I read some of it. It's just-"
"It is a pretty big tome. It's my first draft, and you know what they are like," Alphard replied lightly. He watched his nephew for a moment. The unnatural stillness. The pale face. The dark circles under his eyes. The cast on his arm. The anger towards his sister grew but he could not show it. "I didn't see a yeti."
"Disappointing, but there was some cool stuff. Did they have some cool Ancient Runes stuff?"
"Yes. They had some cool stuff. Everest base camp was amazing."
"Did you go further up the mountain."
"No," Alphard replied, shaking his head. "Even for a wizard the Khumbu icefall is madness."
"That's where the ice does crazy things but it's all the river moving?"
"Yes, I know we think about wizards doing crazy magic…"
".. but the earth does it as well?"
"It does. I'm due to go to Nepal for a while-"
"-but when you do?"
"You will be my first invite. Actually, I'm going to Mexico this summer. I would love if you," Alphard started, as he looked around the room and added, "I would love if you and the Potters joined me. There are some fantastic runes there."
"Really?! You would invite me?!"
"Of course!" Alphard replied with a smile. "Of course, I would. It would be an honour to show my nephew around."
"Wow, but-" Sirius stopped and looked towards Mr Potter, who smiled, nodded, and gave him the thumbs up.
"Well, that's sorted. I will talk with Mr Potter to sort out the finer details, but I reckon in the summer, after your OWLS. I think there's a Pan American Quidditch competition."
"That's one of the World Cup qualifiers!" Sirius exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"Now you are away from Grimmauld, it'll be easier. I'm sorry Sirius, I should have been around more. I was just worried my presence would make your life more difficult."
"It's okay," Sirius replied quietly.
"No, it's not," Alphard replied forcefully. "Honestly, Sirius, I didn't realise how bad it was for you."
"It doesn't matter," Sirius replied, his voice barely more than a whisper.
"I know they are obsessed with blood status, and they think the Dark Lord has the right ideas, but they had no right to treat you like they did!" Alphard replied passionately.
Sirius closed his eyes. He could feel it building within him. He knew he was about to perform accidental magic. He didn't want to. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Uncle Alfie. It was bad enough he had done it in front of Mr Potter, but Uncle Alfie?! Uncle Alfie thought he was brilliant; that was surely going to change now!
"Sirius?" Alphard said cautiously. He looked around and then at his nephew who suddenly seemed terrified.
Fleamont looked up and frowned for a moment, before rushing over. He pushed past Alphard. "Sirius," he said gently. He shot a look at Alphard and was met with the sight of a man who looked devastated. "Sirius, it's okay. You are safe here. You need to let it out. Don't hold it in."
"I-I, I," Sirius stammered, his breath coming in short, sharp, punctuated gasps.
"Just breathe, Sirius. I know it's hard. I know how scared you are, but I need you to listen to my voice. Let it out," Fleamont whispered into Sirius's ear, as he held him against his chest. "Just let it out. Don't worry if you break stuff. They can be repaired or replaced, but you can't be." Fleamont looked up to see Alphard standing, his hands held up, his open, wandless palms facing him. Fleamont nodded. It wasn't Alphard Black's fault. He had no doubt mentioned something quite innocent, and it had triggered Sirius's defensive magic. "Let it out," he whispered, as he gently rubbed Sirius's back. He winced as he felt the explosive magic run through him. "That's it. That's great Sirius my lad."
Alphard watched with sadness as his nephew performed defensive magic. He dabbed his eyes. Someone so young shouldn't have been exposed to this. He took his wand, quickly repairing the items Sirius had destroyed. Exchanging looks with Mr Potter, he bent down and gently tapped his nephew's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Sirius."
Sirius didn't know what to do. He wanted to bury his head into Mr Potter's chest and hide from the world, but then there was his favourite uncle. He knew he should apologise for his weakness. He knew he shouldn't show weakness. "I'm sorry," he managed.
"Don't ever be ashamed of your magic," Alphard said, in a clear but even tone.
"What?" Sirius replied, as he slowly faced his uncle and rubbed his tear stained, red rimmed eyes.
"Don't be ashamed of your brilliant magic. It was only trying to protect you."
Sirius took a breath before looking his uncle in the eye. "I don't understand."
"It's terrifying and painful, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Sirius managed, as he slowly nodded.
"It first happened to me about fifteen years ago. I was in Egypt. I visited a tomb but there were some terrible curses. I barely escaped with my life. For weeks afterwards I could feel my magic building up, uncontrollably in my chest. It really hurt. I was terrified. I didn't understand what was happening. I was destroying things at random. I thought I had gone mad."
"But you were-"
"It happened when I was safe at home but, when it happened, I didn't know that. It was like I was back there in the tomb. All I could see and hear was what happened in that tomb. I could even smell the place," Alphard confessed. "I thought I was back there." He watched his nephew for a moment. He swallowed as he carefully considered his next words. "Is it the same for you?" Alphard watched Sirius slowly nod before continuing. "It's horrible but don't be ashamed of your magic. It's trying to defend you. It's not your or your magic's fault. It doesn't realise you are safe. Because, well for me, it felt so real."
Sirius slowly nodded. He wanted to hide away but something was stopping him. "But my parents?" he finally managed.
Alphard gently took Sirius's chin in his hand. "Sirius, the worst thing your mother has to worry about is if Kreacher has forgotten the salad fork! She isn't like us. She hasn't seen the world. I'm sorry you have been exposed to the dark, evil elements of our world so early. But you are strong, Sirius. You're brave. I know you probably don't want to hear this right now, but your grandfather thinks these things as well. He sees the strength. He sees how powerful you are. But you don't need to worry about that. You just need to believe in yourself. I know that might seem impossible right now, but you are strong. And you are brave. And you are powerful. Just-" Alphard stopped and paused for a moment, as he took a breath. "Just let your magic do its thing. Trust me, it's easier that way."
"Thanks," Sirius managed, his eyelids drooping.
Alphard gently patted Sirius's shoulder before clearing his throat. "Well, I best be off."
"Thanks, Uncle Alfie," Sirius replied, adding a smile for good measure.
"It's been a pleasure as always, my favourite nephew!" Alphard laughed, as he gently ruffled Sirius's head. "But remember what Mr Potter and I said, it's better out than in. I know it's frightening and it hurts. I know you might feel embarrassed, but it's far better to release it than hold it in. Do you understand?"
"I think so," Sirius said tiredly.
"And remember, I'm less than an owl away. If you need anything, please let me know. Andromeda has been asking after you. She and Ted are desperate to hear from you." Alphard watched as Sirius slowly nodded before curling into himself. He hated seeing his nephew like this. So, broken. So unsure of himself. So unlike his wild, confident self. "I'm going to cut myself off from the family."
"But what will you do for money?!"
"I earn enough."
Sirius looked down. "But what about Reggie?" he finally managed, swallowing several times.
Alphard cocked his head to one side. "I guess I can make myself present for a couple more family gatherings." He watched his nephew for a moment before continuing. "But promise me, you won't be ashamed of your magic!"
Sirius looked down and bit his lip. "I'll try."
Alphard nodded. "I'd better be off. I'll see you soon," he said, as he gently hugged his nephew. "Fleamont," he said, as they made their way to the fireplace. "I am so sorry about earlier. I never meant to distress Sirius like that."
"I know," Fleamont replied calmly, still not quite trusting the other man.
"I don't know where Sirius wants to live. If he wants to live with me, I will drop everything. I will buy a house near you. I will stop travelling, but I think it's clear he needs you. I will pay for anything he needs. I will-"
"Alphard, you don't need to fund Sirius," Fleamont replied quietly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply," Alphard said, holding up his hands defensively. "I meant no offence. I helped his cousin, Andromeda, after she was disowned."
"I know," Fleamont replied calmly. "I don't know what Sirius wants, but I will fund him. But he needs more than that. He needs you. He needs to know he's not alone out there. Write to him. Visit him during the holidays. Come to his quidditch games. That's what he needs."
"I never knew. I knew they were strict, but I never thought they would hurt him. He seems so broken," Alphard said quietly.
"No one did."
"Look, I don't know what Sirius has told you and I don't want to know. If he wants to tell me, he will. It's just, well, as I said, I didn't mean to upset him. When I mentioned the Dark Lord, that's when he started panicking. As I said, I don't want to know what he has told you, unless he tells me. I just want to help him."
A dark shadow passed over Fleamont's face as he absorbed the latest piece of information. "Thank you."
Alphard nodded. "Don't mention it. When is his next Quidditch game?"
"There's one towards the end of the term. I'm not sure if he will be ready to play in it, but I will let you know."
"Thank you. And, well thank you for looking after him. He's really special. He's so young. He's too young to have gone through something like this. I'm just so grateful he has someone like you in his life." Alphard stopped for a moment, as he looked towards the fireplace. "I'm sorry, I'm rambling. But thank you. Really, thank you. If he needs anything, please let me know."
"Of course," Fleamont said, stepping towards the fire, not wanting to leave Sirius alone for too long after his defensive magic incident.
"Thank you again for letting me see Sirius." Without a further word, Alphard took a handful of powder and was gone in a flash of green light.
Fleamont sank down into his armchair by the fire, as he digested the latest piece of information. The Dark Lord. Just what had poor Sirius been forced into?!