Bad Love

by keeperoliver

Harry's thinking brought him to the conclusion that he no longer wished to be a pawn. No one has shown him any love. No one has taken the time to say they loved him. He would now return the favor. Mrs. Rowling owns Harry's world, I just like to play in it.

9. Chapter 9

Bad Love Keeperoliver Chapter 9

Bella saw a chance to defeat Her cousin because of the position he took in front of the veil. She fired a stunner at him and it hit him in the chest. She watched as Sirius took the hit and sort of drifted back towards the entrance. It was like slow motion as he entered the portal. She jumped up and began to dance around chanting, "I killed Sirius Black! I killed Sirius Black!"

Sirius felt the slight tug on his body as he drifted toward the veil. It felt like it was fighting whether to take him or not. A living person that was not invited to enter was a new sensation to the gateway. It finally allowed the body to enter, and Sirius passed through and disappeared from sight of those he left behind.

What he saw on the other side was a little of what he expected of the place, but there was much that he saw that made little sense. Many people were screaming and moaning, but it seemed for no reason, as they were not being tortured visibly. What was going on in their mind was a different matter. It looked hot where ever he turned, but to him it was comfortable. The path he was walking looked like red hot coals, yet where he stepped it was cool rock. The air should have been steaming hot, yet he breathed cool air, and his body was not uncomfortably hot, but pleasantly cool.

He saw that not all of the others were screaming or moaning. Some were talking to others as if they were friends, or doing chores as if they were living in a normal atmosphere. Sirius continued his walk through what could have been called a village, when he was approached by a figure that looked like it was made of stone. It had eyes and ears, and a bump that looked like a nose, yet it had no nostrils for breathing, or a mouth to let air in or for talking or eating. It did however possess a mind, as he used it to communicate with Sirius. "You will follow me. The master wishes to speak to you." and it took off knowing that Sirius was following it. Sirius did follow the being as he was curious as to what was expected of him.

The walk was a long one that took him to the far end of the village. There stood a structure the like of which reminded him of his family home, which Sirius detested. It was a cold dreary looking building that was opposite of its surroundings. Where it was red and hot looking all around it, the building itself was cold and colorless. Once he entered the structure, nothing changed. He swore that he had entered Black Manor, minus his mothers portrait at the end of the hall and the foot of the staircase going up. That was where the similarities changed. There was a room just beyond the staircase that the guide took him to. It opened the door and stepped aside so that Sirius could enter. It was like walking from a black and white film into a color film. Like the scene where Dorothy Gail stepped from her house to Munchkin Land in the Wizard of Oz.

It was like an office setting, with a huge desk and a high back chair behind it. In the chair sat What Sirius could only assume to be Death. Dark Robes, skeletal fingers, dark red eyes staring at Sirius as he walked in. "Why are you here?" the figure bellowed.

As cool as he could be, Sirius replied, "You tell me? I am here because you called for me by sending your flunky."

"Not here in my home fool, but in my domain."

"Once again, you tell me? I am not here by choice, but by circumstance. If I had my choice, I would have preferred to stay where I was."

"None have entered here without notification before. This is an entirely new development, and one that I find rather unwelcome. What am I to do with a living being in the place of the dead?"

"Well, you could send me back. I find that a good alternative to both our liking." Sirius was beginning to enjoy himself. It was a rather enjoyable visit to see Death confused due to his entry.

"Impossible. You have to be called back. And why are you not afraid of me?"

"I'm already dead. What else can you do to me? Besides, This is not such a bad place, and you are not exactly what I pictured Death to be."

The red in Deaths eyes began to dim. He looked at Sirius and began to wonder what it would take to get rid of him. He knew he was walking in uncharted waters, letting Sirius stay, but he could not send him away. He could not send him beyond, as he would be sent back with a rather harsh warning to Death not to try anything like that again. Only those who have been judged can travel beyond the gates of Deaths Realm. As he thought, he decided to change back to him real form, as it was exhausting to try and maintain his traveling form.

Sirius watched as Death sat there thinking, then the form began to shrink and change into that of a man about his own age, with long blond hair, but the same red eyes. His features were cold and stern, like he never smiled. He was not as intimidating in this form, but he still had the in charge look.

"I have no other choice but to let you stay until you are called. Either by the beyond, or the realm you just left. It could be a long stay, and I do not like the idea. I have no control over you, as you are of the living. I cannot tell you what you can and cannot do. I am not able to punish you. You are free to roam the boundaries of my domain. Do not attempt to go beyond, as it is not allowed. You have never felt pain the like of which you will receive if you try. That is your only restriction."

Sirius smiled at Death, "Well then, what say we leave here and go find us a pub and lift a few pints to welcome me here properly?"

Death propped his head in his hands and rather loudly answered, "GET OUT OF HERE!"

Sirius laughed as he left the room and the building, and returned to the red of the domain. He may not like it here, but he will make the best of it, and hope that he is called forward or back, which ever the choice shall be. He did not know what it took to call him, but he did know that if it was back, then it would be his godson that would be doing the calling. Harry did not know what his strength was, but Sirius knew that Harry was beyond anyone he knew in magic. If he was properly trained, he would rival Voldemort and Dumbledore. He knew that Dumbledore was trying to keep Harry from knowing just how powerful he was. He feared that if he knew then Harry may follow in Voldemort's footsteps. Sirius tried to talk Albus into pulling Harry from the Dursleys so that he could stay with him, but Dumbledore would not think of it. He needed the Dursleys influence to keep Harry humble.

Sirius felt it was fate that led Harry to Ron Weasley, and thus his mother, who took Harry into the Weasley household and showed Harry what family life was really like. What a loving family could do for ones life. Sirius could kiss Molly for showing Harry the care she gave him. It was the only love Harry ever received after the passing of James and Lily. Harry may not have been told that they love him, but he was showed it by the care they took of him.

BL-}

Time had no meaning for Sirius in the realm of the dead. He did what ever he could to make life miserable for the master of this domain. He flirted with the women folk, especially Marie and Cleo. He found them not to be evil, but very controlling. If they wanted something, they did whatever it took to get it, short of murder, when they lived. Here in the domain, they had to try a different approach, as Death would not allow them to disturb his control over his stock. When they learned of Sirius and his free reign over death, they took advantage of it, and made friends with him.

It wasn't long before they learned that being with this man was more than what they expected. He was funny, caring and free spirited. They could get by with things that before they could not get by with. Death had to tread carefully with Sirius, and thus with Marie and Cleo.

Death was grateful that Sirius was very careful about who he hung around with. The wrong people could have made things very difficult for him if he was less selective. This did not mean that he liked the fact that he was still in his domain though. If he didn't find a way to be rid of him soon, he would begin to lose the power he had over his domain.

This was when he learned that the collector of the Hallows had been found, and he would soon be called for their return. It was his one chance to be rid of Sirius Black. It was his best chance to regain the control he had before Blacks arrival. It would be as it was before, and the likes of Marie Antoinette, and Cleopatra would once again just be just two more of his sheep in his herd.

Sirius, Marie and Cleo were setting at a table in the pub of their choice just talking and drinking the cheap wine that was afforded them. Nothing too good was available to the sheep as Death called them, but anything was better than nothing. Sirius had enjoyed being with these two lovely women as they did take his mind off where he was. He knew they were using him to get benefits that were not afforded them before he arrived, but he didn't care, as he was using them as playthings to pass the time. He had begun to take a shine to Marie though. She was funny in a weird sense and quite athletic and creative in bed. Cleo was more refined and conservative both in life and in bed. Boring is how Sirius put it. But she was very beautiful, and it made the other male sheep jealous of him.

The three were just sitting there flirting with each other when Sirius felt the same feeling he had when he first arrived. Like a slight tug on his soul, and he was soon drifting toward a window in the roof of the domain that he never saw before. He blacked out before he hit the window, and so when he finally came to, he was laying on a cold surface in the fetal position. "Marie, Cleo what is happening? Marie! Cleo! Where are you?"

"SIRIUS!"

"What the hell just happened? Who are you?"

"It's me Sirius, Harry."

"WHAT? Where am I?"

"Your in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. Sirius, I can't believe it's you I called back, although judging by what Death said, I should have expected it."

Sirius stood up and went to Harry and pulled him into a hug. "I knew if I was called back, it would be you doing the calling. No one else made any sense. Now, How long have I been away? Where is Moony? Have we lost anyone else? Are you with someone, or are you still a prude? Come on boy speak up!"

Harry was laughing and crying at the same time. Crying from the joy of having his godfather back, and laughing at the number of questions he just heard. His first thought was of Hermione in her questioning mode. "Slow down Pads, and let me enjoy this moment with you before we start in with the answers to all your questions. I can't believe I have you back."

Sirius softened at the love he felt coming from Harry. "It's good to be back Pup. Merlin I missed you. How have you been?"

"Miserable for the longest time. After your passing, I was left alone for the entire summer without a word from the wizard world. Dumbledore asked Hermione and Ron to leave me alone in my moment of grief. I was ignored by everyone, including the Dursleys. Well, except for Dudley. I think he was trying to apologize to me for the way he treated me, but I would not allow him to get close enough to actually do it. Then after I returned to school, I took control of my own destiny and told Dumbledore to leave me alone and not try to interfere with my life. I told Hermione and Ron the same thing. However, I have since found others who took their place."

"Others meaning Ginny and who else?"

"How did you know Ginny was a part of it?"

"I wasn't dead Harry. I may have been locked up in the Manor, but I still had eyes. I saw the way she looked at you. And how you shied away from her when ever you looked at her. I could see how you cared for her even if you couldn't."

"Well, you're right, it was Ginny, but there are more, like Luna Lovegood, Blaise Zabini, Daphne Greengrass, even Draco Malfoy."

"Zabini, Greengrass and Malfoy? They are all pureblood Slyhterins. How did you manage that?"

"They came to me really. Blaise was the first one bringing Draco with him. Then Daphne and Tracy Davies followed them. There are others as well, but I will tell you of them later. First, we have to find you a place to stay where no one will know you are back. I think I know where, but it all depends on the current residents as to whether they will take you in or not."

"Who might they be?"

Narcissa Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass. Lucius is dead and Narcissa needed protection. Astoria was also being held captive when Narcissa was saved. They are being housed in the Chamber of Secrets. Now to answer one of your questions, Dumbledore is dead. He didn't follow his own advice, and tried to use something he had no control over. It poisoned him. He died just before you arrived, and no one else knows. He lies right over there in that bed. Before he died though, he apologized to me for the wrong

he did me, to include allowing you to die. I see where he was wrong once again. It wasn't his fault for thinking that though, as we all did. He told me about the Deathly Hallows and how I was their master. Once again he was wrong, as I was only the collector. Death is the master of them. He did however make me take back one who passed through to his realm who wasn't dead. He said he was a pain in his arse that he wanted to get rid of. Little did I know it was you." Harry laughed.

Sirius laughed as well. "I didn't make things easy for him. I made some very interesting friends down there, and wouldn't mind having one of them, if not both of them with me. They were very comforting during my stay."

"Two women I bet. He told me you were a very disruptive influence. Now, I think we best get you settled before everyone comes back to see how the Professor is doing. The other Professors know he was dieing, but don't know yet that he has died. I want you out of the way before they get back. DOBBY!"

POP!

"You called for me Harry? SIRIUS BLACK! Harry how did he come back?"

"I'll answer your questions later Dobby. Right now I need you to take him to the Chamber and see if he could share the living quarters with the ladies that currently reside there. While you do that, I need to let the Professors know that Dumbledore is dead."

Dobby lowered his head, "I am sorry Harry. He really was a good man, even if he was misguided. You meant quite a bit to him. He hated doing what he was doing to you."

"I know Dobby. Now help Sirius get re-acquainted with his cousin."

"Not yet Harry. There is something I need to tell you first. You are being a stupid Arse for keeping Hermione out of your group. She has helped you more than anyone else since the beginning. She never told Albus of your plans. The only thing she did wrong was to listen to the old coot, and believing what he said was true. She can help you Harry, just like she has in the past. Don't give up on her. Ron on the other hand has his faults, and even though he cares for you, he could turn his back on you again. He is a very jealous person, even of his own brothers and sister. He doesn't like the way he feels, but he can't help it. It is like a sickness with him. So, like I said, make up with Hermione and ask her for her help. She doesn't have to be by your side, but she does need to be a part of your planning group. Think hard on it Harry. Now Dobby, why don't we go pay my dear cousin a visit. This should be good for a laugh as she always wondered how I got away with the things did." and then they were gone. Harry promised himself to ask later how the visit went.

Harry went out to the hall, and found Professor Flitwick waiting for something to happen. When Harry told him, Filius raised his wand to his throat and called out, "WILL ALL THE PROFESSORS PLEASE COME TO THE HOSPITAL WING." The sonorus echoed throughout the school.

It was only a matter of minutes for the Professors to arrive. They all took the information hard, to include Severus. It was now official. Severus was now the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. He entered the wing and went to the body of Albus Dumbledore. He used a levitation charm and moved the body from the wing to the hall, and down the stairs to the Great Hall. He had Filius bring one of the tables to the front, where he placed the body. He then had Minerva call for all the students to assemble in the Great Hall. As they entered, they all gasped at the sight that was presented to them. Tears flowed as they realized what had happened.

Harry was shocked when he saw that Hermione, Ron, Draco, Blaise, Daphne, Tracy, Neville and Hannah all sat together. Ginny and Luna went right to Harry to console him and to get some from him as well. They all wrapped their arms around each other and leaned their heads together for their consoling. While they were in that position, Harry told them, "We need to talk later, as I have some amazing news to tell you. Hermione needs to be there as well. I have been told that I am being a complete arse in my treatment of her, and I need to ask her forgiveness. Shut up Ginny, I know what you are going to say."

"What was I going to say, smart arse?"

"I told you the very same thing, but would listen to me? NOOOO!"

"I WAS NOT! I was going to say it is good to see that someone else uses their brains around here beside Luna and I."

"Alright, but can we talk of this later. We are supposed to be in mourning here, and it wouldn't look right if we were arguing. Luna, you haven't said anything, are you alright?"

"NO Harry, I'm not. He may have had his faults, but Professor Dumbledore was a great man and wizard. Why did he have to go do something so stupid?"

Harry didn't get a chance to answer as Professor Snape began the explanation of their call. Of course they all knew of the death, but the news that followed it was a real shock to the students. They all figured that Minerva would have been the choice for the Head position, or even Filius, but never Snape. No reason was given as to why and all questions were ignored for now.

Harry Ginny and Luna walked to where the others sat, and Harry went to Hermione and put his arm around her for comfort. She buried her face in his robes as she cried. He rubbed her back as she continued to sob. Ron was turning red as he watched the girl he truly liked being comforted by Harry. No one knew that Ron was thinking of a way to break up with Lavender that would not hurt or offend her. He finally realized that Hermione was the girl he truly liked. What he didn't understand was why Harry was trying to comfort her after the way he has treated her. And why did she accept his comforting like she did. And why wasn't Ginny angry with him for comforting Hermione. Trying to find all the answers to all these questions gave him a headache. He would ask later and get the answers from the ones in question.

Harry whispered in Hermione's ear, "Hermione, please forgive me for the way I have treated you in the past four months. Someone has pointed out to me that I have been a complete arse about it, and needed to apologized to you. If you would accept, then I would like you to join Ginny, Luna and I when I introduce him. For right now, we are the only ones who need to know. Others will be told as time goes on, and it will be soon. Right now though, I believe that Ron may need to be comforted, and I think only you could help him with that."

Hermione lifted her head from Harry's chest and smiled a small smile, but the tears were still streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you Harry, I will go with you and the ladies, and right now I will comfort Ron, but how do you know he needs me?"

"Because if looks could kill, I would be dead right now. Ron is staring daggers into my chest as we sit here talking. You better hurry before they become the real thing." Harry grinned.

Hermione stood up and went to Ron who took her into his arms and held her tight as if she would get away if he held her any looser. He also nodded his head to Harry as if in thanks. He also smiled at him. It may take more time, but Harry and Ron would make up for all that has happened. Harry turned back to Ginny and Luna, but saw that Luna had taken a seat next to Blaise, and they were in each others arms. Luna had her head on his shoulder, and he was stoking her hair and kissing the side of her head.

It was a solemn moment for the school as students and Professors alike mourned for their lost Headmaster.

BL-}

The Christmas Hols were delayed for two days as they all wished to be there for the services for their Headmaster. Both current and past students attended the service, and over three thousand witches and wizards were there. The Centaurs and Merpeople were there as well, and from the top of the Astronomy tower, three others watched as well. Sirius, Narcissa and Astoria looked down upon the ceremony. Sirius stood between the two with his arms wrapped around them for support. He and Albus didn't always see eye to eye, but he did respect the Headmaster in his own way.

Once the ceremony was done, the students left with their parents for the train ride back to London. Most of the parents aparated back, while the students took the train like they always did. The exceptions being Harry, Ginny, Luna, Draco, Blaise and Hermione. Daphne wanted to stay, but her parents left on the train with her. They still didn't know that Astoria was safe, and wanted to protect their remaining daughter. Tracy left with her as well, as they were best of friends.

Now was the time for Harry to present Sirius to those who stayed behind. Harry remembered the reaction of the Professors when he presented him to them. He thought that Severus was going to kill him. Minerva was ready to kill him with kindness. Filius almost took his arm off, shaking his hand. Sybil almost knocked him out with the alcohol coming from her breath. Harry almost died laughing at what he watched. He also folded over when Sirius told him what happened when Narcissa saw him. She thought he was a Death Eater trying to convince her that he was Sirius, and first punched him in the nose, then drew her wand, and hung him up by his heels and used a binding spell to secure him. She then got Severus down in the chamber, and turned him over to him. When Severus saw him, he immediately went and got a potion to evoke any and all charms or potions used to transfigure a person. When none of them worked, he then used a truth serum on him. He wanted so bad for it to be real, and when it turned out it was, he almost died laughing. Sirius Black caught by his own cousin and trussed up like a roasting hen. He knew that Sirius was innocent of the charges made against him by Fudge, and that he was later freed posthumously. He didn't let on until he had Sirius sweating, thinking he was going to be turned over to the Aurors. Sirius now had a new respect for the severe potion master. He was now a master pranker.

Harry took the group with him down to the chamber and when they saw Narcissa and Astoria talking to Severus and a strange man, they stopped to try and see who it was. When he turned, it was Ginny who ran to him and pulled him in for a hug. Sirius picked her up and twirled her around. "Still the firecracker there Red so I see." he said then kissed her on the cheek.

"I'm much better now thank you, Mutt." she took his hand and led him to her friends.

Hermione saw who it was and almost passed out, "You're supposed to be dead?"

"I missed you too Hermione. Funny thing about death, it is so much over rated. Like I always said, you can't keep a good man down."

Ginny couldn't help it, "So what is keeping you going then?"

"Sorry girl. James used that on me over twenty years ago. It was much funnier then."

Hermione was not to be put off, "Why aren't you dead?"

"Because Hermione, I never died in the first place. I was in Death's Realm for the past 8 months, waiting to be called home. Harry was good enough to do that for me. Now, can I get a hug from my favorite brain?"

Hermione hesitated for a moment, then hugged him for several seconds before she pulled back and also kissed his cheeks. He hrumphed at this, "Doesn't anyone know how to give a proper kiss around here?"

Luna stepped forward and slapped his face. "You're lucky to get what you got. Now, did I hurt you?"

"Hell yes you hurt me, and who are you?"

"Sorry, I'm Luna Lovegood."

"I should have known, Selena's offspring. You've got her temper."

Luna the kissed him on the lips. Sirius turned bright red as the kiss lingered on for a minute. "WOW, I don't remember Selena ever kissing me like that. Hell I don't remember Selena ever kissing me at all."

"It will probably be the last one you get from me. My boyfriend is not the jealous type, as long as you don't push him too hard. Isn't that right Blaise?"

"Your boyfriend? Me? Really?"

A crocodile tear formed in Luna's eye, "You mean you're not my boyfriend?"

Blaise stood up straight, "Of course I am."

Luna smiled at Blaise, then at Sirius, "Not bad Mr. Black, back for all of five minutes, and you have already made a difference. I may just have to keep you around."

The rest of the evening was spent introducing the others to Sirius, and setting up a meeting with the other members of the group. Ones that Sirius was most interested in meeting.